As we look to reduce our reliance on oil-based resources to support a sustainable planet, the North East is in a prime position to take advantage of a significant opportunity to strengthen the region’s economy and be at the forefront of the new green energy revolution but to succeed, sectors must come together to collaborate and drive innovation.
CyberNorth is leading the charge to help open more doors and provide the framework for more possibilities. So, at the beginning of June, we brought together senior leaders from across both sectors to create the discussions that lead to change and impact.
The Energy Forum, in alliance with Kinewell Energy, aimed to bridge the gap between the energy sector and cyber security. The transition of offshore wind to onshore energy requires a vast digital infrastructure to operate. This is highly vulnerable to attack and failure. It is essential, therefore, that the cyber security sector has a significant voice as the region looks to be a key player in the nation’s ambition to convert to greener energy.
The Opportunity for a Unified Cross-Sector Ecosystem
To open the Forum, Thea Scott, CyberNorth’s Head of Regional Growth, reinforced the message that we are stronger when we work together. Connection and collaboration is at the heart of all CyberNorth’s work. By bringing together SMEs, academia and industry experts, we are working to build a regional ecosystem that is resilient and connected nationwide to drive innovation in all key growth areas of the region.
Our strength in the North East has always been in the engagement of our communities and support for each other. This is how we influence change. The opportunity in the Energy sector is no different. And it is a real opportunity.
The national government has challenged the region to provide one quarter of the UK’s energy. It is imperative that this ambition is realised to the advantage of local people. The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (previously NECA, now The MSA) is proposing that 25,000 jobs will be created by 2035 as evidence of this.
These jobs are not all directly in the energy sector but also in the supply chain and support system around it. The investment in the region’s offshore wind industry is significant and those in cyber security and AI are in a healthy position to support its growth.
A Chance to Secure the Future
The transition to green energy introduces a significant challenge: data safety.
Our co-hosts, Kinewell evidenced that the North East is the greenest region in England and a global leader in offshore wind. Their CCO, Tony Appleton, also warned that this status brings significant risks and vulnerability, and as such needed our two sectors to work much closer together. With 47 wind farms generating vast streams of data through subsea cables, and sometimes on legacy technology, cyber security is paramount to success and therefore, must be resilient.
The business is currently using super computers to analyse information in minutes rather than hours to support the energy sector in becoming more efficient.
Head of Clean Energy & Environment for The MSA, Ross Lowrie, provided the region’s economic growth plan for Offshore Wind and challenged the region to look beyond the romanticism of past industries. While mining and shipbuilding defined our history, The MSA firmly believes that our future lies in digital and green power. This is a fundamental focus for the region’s government and where they see the strongest opportunity for the North East.
Attracting global investment and creating high-quality green jobs, the North East is being looked at internationally as a global powerhouse in Offshore Wind. To support this shift in focus, our digital infrastructure must rise to the occasion. The energy sector cannot succeed on its own. It relies on the power of a collaborative effort from leaders in the likes of cyber, data, and government – a collaborative effort that CyberNorth will continue to support.
Defending Critical National Infrastructure
The Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, joined us and helped drive the point home. Philip Kinghorn explained clearly that in offshore wind, cyber security isn’t just about securing data. It’s about protecting our Critical National Infrastructure. The stakes are higher. From financial loss to grid disruption, the disastrous effects of an insecure sector could be devastating. As we prepare for growth in the energy sector, it’s more important than ever for leaders in cyber security and energy to be in conversation.
We also heard from Cybernorth partners, Waterstons, where Associate Director, Stew Hogg reminded us that cyber risk management must be a boardroom-level strategy. Stew took it further, arguing that cyber security must start at the board level, and infiltrate a company from top down, being treated holistically across the organisation.
We also discussed the importance of bringing IT and OT operations together in all organisations. These cannot be separate entities. Not just for organisational efficiency but also to ensure the security of both digital and physical assets.
Lively discussions were had at The Forum where contributors, including industry titans, Siemens, as experience, knowledge and learnings were shared. The North East’s premier offshore wind and clean energy cluster was also in attendance to provide further insight.
As a result of the Forum, we are now looking at creating more events to ensure these connections continue. A breakfast briefing bringing together those in the energy sector from all over the UK is being looked at and a focused event as part of CyberFest in October as well.
It’s important that momentum is maintained.
Supporting the Next Generation
The event was held at Enfields Restaurant at Gateshead College, where their hospitality students run the event, providing food, service and management. It is a fantastic initiative supporting our future workforce. The restaurant is open to the public and they also have a boardroom and meeting rooms for hire should you wish to use the facilities.
A huge thank you to Kinewell Energy for sponsoring the event. You can find out more about them here. They are not just flying the flag for NE innovation but also for GB businesses in a heavily internationally dominated sector.
Join CyberNorth and Lead the Charge
CyberNorth is the strategic partner for those ready to invest in, sponsor, or engage with the future of the North East. As the needs of our region develop, we’ll be here, as always, facilitating the conversations that create change. We bring people together. Whether you work in energy, data, cyber, or far beyond.
As Ross Lowrie shared The MSA’s vision, he said that while our region’s past was great, he truly believes that the best is yet to come.
We’re working hard to ensure that ‘best’ comes as soon as possible. If you’re a forward-thinking leader, join us in securing a bright future for the North East.
The energy revolution is here, and together, we can lead it.
Contact us at hello@cybernorth.biz to get involved and help shape the resilient future of the North East.
