September 2025

The energy transition has, from the very start, required innovation at scale – new ideas and pioneering thought the likes of which have not been seen for generations. Some new ideas have been quite literally amazing, and others have dropped away. But those which have not been adopted are not always bad; sometimes the route to market or the commercial funding or the correct use case fail to be identified.

To ensure success, a full journey has to be mapped out: problem, solutions, adaptation, commercial channels, and eventual sale into market. Building this roadmap is not easy and is rarely the skill of the innovator. This is where experience is key.

Blackfish Engineering is a great example. The Bristol-based engineering specialist has chosen wave and tidal energy as its key focus area, but it has skills relevant across the renewable energy space. Firstly, the company helps developers to understand the right questions to be asking when they come up with a potential solution. Then, it can test and build out mechanical systems. It can build partnerships across industries, and it can advance ideas to market through tried and tested methods. Collaborating with Blackfish has been majorly beneficial for a number of organisations looking at decarbonisation.

Restore Blue is another great example. With so many nature inclusive designs for technology in the offshore space, it can be challenging for large developers and procurement managers to know where to start looking. Sarah Cosgrove, a marine biologist, has developed an intuitive software designed for the energy industry that quickly and efficiently offers up nature inclusive design solutions, including relevant tech partners, for those building offshore.

MJR Power and Automation has also been innovating, working (alongside Blackfish) to develop a unique offshore charging system for CTVs, SOVs and other vessels to ensure uptime while encouraging emission reductions.

At the heart of all of this progress is engineering. And the best engineers are, at their core, complex problem solvers. We speak to some of the best to understand more.

Tell us more about your innovation and how difficult it is to achieve. We’re always online at LinkedIn. Reach out – we would love to talk to you.