Institution news
For further details of this upcoming Wind Turbine User Group and to register your place, please visit the event website.
Could you briefly explain your role, involvement, and experience related to the focus of this event?
Tim Camp (TC): I am Director of Innovation for OWC, a renewable energy consultancy supporting the development of onshore and offshore renewables projects. I have experience of working as a design engineer in the wind industry for the past 25 years, including the development of design methods and standards for offshore wind turbines and their support structures. I currently chair the UK national committee for wind energy standardisation (PEL/88).
What, in your experience, has been the biggest roadblock for the industry over the past 2-3 years?
TC: Both the onshore and offshore wind industries have been challenged in the UK over the past few years. While the development of onshore wind was curtailed as a policy of the previous government, offshore wind projects have faced significant financial pressures due to inflation, inadequate CfD support and grid connection constraints.
What key topics are you excited to discuss at this year's conference?
TC: As many wind farms are approaching 'mid-life', it is exciting to see lifetime extension among the topics to be discussed. I'm keen to hear how the remaining operational lifetimes of wind farm assets can be assessed, and learn about strategies to extend operational lives.
What do you consider to be the key areas of innovation in this industry, both in the UK and internationally?
TC: Floating wind technology and the development of ever larger wind turbines are two active - and linked - topics of innovation. We hope to see floating wind technology demonstrated on a commercially viable scale in the next few years. To be cost-effective, we expect to see wind turbines of higher rated power being used, while for reasons of cost and availability we may see these turbines being imported from China.
Who else are you most interested in hearing from on the programme?
TC: I'm also looking forward to hearing the latest news on offshore wind planning and project development from representatives of The Crown Estate and Dogger Bank Wind Farm.
Why is it important for engineers to join this conference?
TC: While there are many competing wind energy conferences, the IMechE Wind Turbine User Group event aims to address technical topics from the perspective of the wind turbine operator. As well as being technically relevant it provides a great opportunity to network with other engineers in the wind industry.
The Wind Turbine User Group 2025 takes place on 14-15 May 2025 in London
Now in its third iteration, this specialised technical forum brings together representatives from across the UK wind energy community to share successes, demonstrate technical innovations, address common industry challenges and exchange ideas.
Featuring technical presentations and case studies, peer reviewed by a senior committee of engineers in the industry, the User Group agenda is specifically curated to meet the needs of all end users working with wind turbines and their related assets, both in onshore and offshore settings.
To view the full list of presentations and to book your place, visit the User Group website - book before 14 March 2025 to secure the Early Bird discount and save 10% off.