Meet the Team – Kostas Panagopoulos
The team at ABL Group shares the passion, vision and values for working in energy and the world’s oceans, de-risking and driving the energy transition. We are driven by the idea that the best work is born from professionalism, diligence… and fun. You know ABL Group, but do you know our team?
This week’s meet the team features Kostas Panagopoulos who was recently promoted to his new role O&M MWS Renewables Director Europe.
What does your day-to-day look like at ABL?
My day-to-day responsibilities involve overseeing and managing various aspects of ongoing and planned O&M projects for the replacement of major wind turbine generator components. This includes coordinating activities across multiple sites, tracking progress and addressing any issues or challenges that may arise, ensuring that allocated resources are used efficiently and effectively, and that all proposed operations comply with relevant regulatory requirements, industry standards and best practices.
In addition to overseeing ongoing projects, a significant portion of my time is dedicated to providing training and professional development opportunities for our team members. This involves identifying areas for skill enhancement, organising training sessions and mentoring team members to ensure they have the necessary expertise to execute their roles effectively.
Overall, my role at ABL involves a blend of operational oversight, team development and business development activities aimed at ensuring the success and growth of our renewable energy teams.
What inspired you to join your industry?
From a young age, I’ve always been fascinated by how things are built and my passion for engineering naturally grew from this curiosity and desire to understand the principles behind construction and design.
As I delved deeper into the field of engineering, I found myself particularly drawn to the challenges and opportunities presented by offshore projects in the energy sector. The prospect of working on complex and innovative projects in remote and dynamic environments captured my interest and fuelled my ambition to pursue a career the industry.
I also was truly inspired by the opportunity to contribute to the development of sustainable energy solutions that benefit society and the environment. By specialising in jack-up vessels for offshore renewable energy projects, I saw an opportunity to be at the forefront of this transition, contributing to the development of clean and sustainable energy sources for both present and future generations.
Can you tell us about something exciting you are working on right now?
I am currently involved in a highly exciting project collaborating with a major wind turbine generator manufacturer and several offshore wind farm operators. My role involves overseeing the MWS scope for the replacement of major wind turbine generator components across multiple sites in the UK, EU, and Baltic Sea waters. One of the most exciting aspects of this project is the complexity of the tasks involved, spanning diverse geographical locations and challenging sites. Moreover, the project is at the forefront of driving innovation and sustainability in the renewable energy sector. By overseeing the replacement of major wind turbine generator components, we are not only enhancing the efficiency and reliability of existing offshore windfarms but also contributing to the broader transition towards clean and sustainable energy sources.
What does the future look like in energy and oceans?
The future of energy and oceans presents both challenges and opportunities, with trends indicating significant developments in renewable energy technologies, sustainable ocean management and the transition to a low-carbon economy. Offshore wind energy is expected to play a significant role in the future energy mix, with continued advancements in technology driving down costs and enabling the development of larger and more efficient offshore windfarms. By embracing innovation, collaboration and sustainability, we can unlock the full potential of renewable energy resources and ensure the long-term health and resilience of our oceans for future generations.
More on Kostas Panagopoulos
Position: O&M MWS Renewables Europe Director
Office: London, UK
Hobbies: Travelling & outdoor activities
Favourite movie: I’m a huge fan of Agatha Christie’s movies. I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate plots, suspenseful twists and the clever way clues unfold throughout her films.