Energy Industry
The East of England, and in particular Lowestoft and Great
Yarmouth, has a long and successful association with the energy
industry, with over 40 years experience in the offshore oil and gas
industry. The recent Government Energy Review paper laid down a
target for 20% renewable energy provision by 2020 in the UK, and
this has highlighted the potential opportunities for the
area.
As part of its inward investment role, the Economic Regeneration
team work with a variety of district, county, regional and
sub-regional partners to jointly highlight the area’s assets,
facilities and skills base. Members from the team actively promote
the area to companies and potential inward investors at a number of
key events and exhibitions including All Energy, EWEA, BWEA and
Offshore Europe. Further information on exhibitions will follow
shortly.
OrbisEnergy
2008 will see a significant investment in the energy industry with
the building of OrbisEnergy. Orbis will be a flagship building
delivering flexible office, boardroom and conferencing facilities
for large utilities and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs)
involved in the industry. This landmark building will bring
together engineering companies, suppliers, service providers and
private investors, to help generate work, projects and
contracts.
Its unique design, from the stunning glass atrium to the informal
meeting and social spaces, will make OrbisEnergy the prefect
environment for generating ideas and for effective networking. To
guard against the harsh seashore conditions, the building will
feature permeable rain screen cladding and is designed to shade
occupants from bright coastal sunshine. With solar thermal heating,
the concrete sub-structure reduces year round temperature
fluctuations making the building energy efficient and
self-regulating. Power comes from the locally sourced woodchip
biomass boiler and the building is designed to BREEAM (Build
Research Establishment Environment Assessment Method) standards,
reflecting its low environmental impact. Features also include the
latest communication and Internet links plus security gating and
CCTV.
OrbisEnergy represents a £9.4m total investment championed and
managed by Suffolk County Council (SCC) alongside key partners East
of England Development Agency (EEDA), GO-East and Waveney District
Council. Also supporting the build are Lowestoft College/CoVE, East
of England Energy Group and POWER. 1st East and EastPort have also
offered valuable support.
In July, Norfolk and Waveney Enterprise Services (NWES) were
awarded a three-year contract by SCC to be the Management Operator
for OrbisEnergy. Their role will involve management of the
centre, tenant support services, co-ordination of the conference
and exhibition facilities and virtual office
management.
For further information on becoming a tenant or on the conference
facilites contact NWES on 01502 530071 or refer to
www.orbisenergy.net (Opens new
window)
Work is currently underway with the facility due be completed
ready for the first tenants by 1st September.
View
progress pictures here.
Concept design image from
Feilden+Mawson