Interview with Will Ashby, TGS

Please tell us about your background

I am Will Ashby, Executive Vice President of Business Development at TGS. I have worked across the world in the energy sector for almost 30 years. I have been fortunate to work in large energy companies such as BP, as well as smaller start-up companies, including my own, Stingray Geophysical, which was acquired by TGS in 2011. I am still at TGS, the world’s leading energy data company, where my responsibilities include executive leadership of TGS | 4C, the premier market intelligence business for offshore wind and related sectors.

Can you tell our readers a little about TGS | 4C?

TGS | 4C, previously called 4C Offshore, was founded in the UK in 2009 and experienced rapid growth in the offshore wind market intelligence segment, which was at that time a niche but high-potential industry. The company was acquired by TGS in 2021 to add to TGS’ growing portfolio of New Energy data and intelligence offerings. Today, TGS | 4C is recognised as the leading specialist offshore wind market intelligence company, while also providing intelligence on related sectors such as offshore cables, vessels and ports. In addition TGS | 4C offers consultancy services related to offshore wind and the marine (including subsea cables).

TGS | 4C offers robust databases, maps, reports and interactive tools through its 4C Intelligence Platform, supported by its 4C Consulting expertise. We work with the major developers/operators, suppliers, investors, banks, academic institutions, governmental organisations and other industry stakeholders to support strategic decisions, planning and actions throughout the offshore wind project lifecycle.

What are the most exciting opportunities that you see for the wind industry?

Well, there are certainly plenty of challenges facing the wind industry right now. So it is important to remind ourselves of the fantastic opportunities that we have. As a Brit, I can’t help but be proud of the momentum that we see building in the United Kingdom for more offshore wind projects. The UK Government is unwavering in its support for offshore wind and recent initiatives such as improved Contract-for-Difference terms and the formation of GB Energy fill me with optimism. Since we have a Norwegian parent company, I should also highlight that Norway has just revealed the applicants for its first floating offshore wind licensing round – an exciting milestone for our Norwegian friends!

There are signs of progress elsewhere as well. Governments may be a bit slow to respond to changing market conditions, but they are responding. Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark are preparing to back projects through revised Contracts-for-Difference.

More broadly, there is no doubt that the world needs more energy. Global population continues to grow, and people strive for the living standards that we have in Europe. It always amazes me to think that 80% of people on this planet have never flown on an airplane! As we look to balance this need for energy with our climate goals and energy security, we will inevitably need to see a greater contribution from wind power. Our industry will need to meet this challenge, and I am convinced that we have the people, passion and innovation to succeed!

What changes would you like to see in the wind industry?

TGS | 4C is fully aligned with WindEurope’s “Copenhagen call to action” to boost Europe’s energy independence and competitiveness. Specifically, this means applying the new EU permitting rules, removing barriers to electrification and de-risking wind investment with a stable pipeline of two-sided Contract-for-Difference auctions.

Going forward, what role do you see TGS | 4C playing in the future development of wind energy?

Our industry needs reliable, timely, quality data and insights to enable decisions, planning and action. We will continue to be the trusted provider of intelligence for our customers.

I am particularly excited to see the progress being made on the development of our new 4C Intelligence Platform. This will bring improved speed, interface and analytics, all supported by our extensive and trusted database, reports and consulting. We have thousands of users across the world, with many logging in daily for news and insights, and we continue to see steady growth in our user base. I think it’s fair to say that our customers are enthusiastic to see the new functionality of their favourite market intelligence solution.

How has WindEurope membership benefited your organisation?

Undoubtedly, we value how WindEurope brings together players from across the value chain, providing forums for doing business. However, I must again highlight WindEurope’s call to action, announced at this year’s showcase conference. This is the kind of leadership, direction and motivation that our industry, Governments and other stakeholders need.

If we look ten years ahead, what do you hope to have achieved?

I envision a world where people have access to the energy they need, energy that is both secure and sustainable. My personal goal is to have played a meaningful part in realising that dream. I think that is a goal shared by all of the TGS | 4C team!