The Asia Wind Energy Association and the Dutch De Oude Bibliotheek Academy (DOB-Academy) have joined forces to establish a regional academy for offshore wind in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Asia- Pacific Offshore Wind Academy will be set up in Singapore and will provide educational services for the industry.

It will be the first dedicated academy for the offshore wind industry in Asia-Pacific focused on higher level education.

The main focus will be on specialised offshore wind courses, ranging from entry to advanced level, as well as tailor-made courses.

Asia Wind Energy Association board member Edgare Kerkwijk said: “The establishment of a regional academy for the offshore wind industry in Asia-Pacific is very timely.

“The shortage of locally trained skilled work force is one of the main challenges for the offshore wind industry in Asia-Pacific.

“With the tremendous growth expected for the offshore wind industry in Asia-Pacific and the increasing requirements for skilled manpower, the training centre will actively support the development of a local and regional work force for the offshore wind industry.”

DOB-Academy chief executive Jan van der Tempel said: “The challenge of the energy transition can only be tackled through global sharing of expertise and experience.

“We are thrilled to expand our mission into the Asia-Pacific region through this co-operation.”