Karl Davis
Karl founded Empire Engineering in 2014 as he saw a need for a different type of consultancy in offshore wind. The challenges of Offshore Wind are unique, and developers need experienced specialists who can work with them in a responsive and flexible manner. Responding to that need was the original goal of Empire, and continues to be today.
About Karl Davis
Born and bred in rural New Zealand, Karl’s renewable energy pedigree dates back to his early school science fair days, where he demonstrated hydro, solar and wind energy with the help of papier-mâché. From this auspicious start he went on to top his class in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Canterbury.
Under the guise of completing a Masters of Applied Science in experimental fluid dynamics at the University of British Columbia, Karl spent two years skiing at Whistler-Blackcomb and sailing Hobie 16’s on Vancouver’s English Bay.
Professional Experience
His first foray into renewables was as engineering manager for Nordic Windpower, leading the development of a 1MW 2-bladed onshore wind turbine. From here he joined the hallowed ranks of Garrad Hassan’s turbine design group, getting his first taste for the growing offshore machines. Karl then joined the Danish LICengineering, where he led their UK operations, growing a strong Bristol team of engineers, and winning the detailed design of the Rampion offshore windfarm foundations.
Since establishing Empire, Karl Davis has supported numerous iconic offshore windfarms in key roles, including Foundations Package Manager for EDF’s Courseulles and Saint Nazaire projects, Structural Lead for Innogy’s Triton Knoll and Foundations Design Manager for Dogger Bank A and B.
Why offshore wind?
Offshore wind is hugely important to me because it’s one of the few renewable energy sources capable of delivery at the scale we need to decarbonise our energy supply, so its hugely important we get it right. At the same time, it’s a massively difficult technical challenge to deploy huge machines, in ever deeper waters, in some of the harshest environments on the planet. Its important, and its difficult, which is why we want to be in the middle of it.
Specialist Areas
Foundations Design, Package Management, Risk Mitigation, Critical Decision Making, Detailed Design and EPC(I) Contracts
Connect with Karl
Karl’s Flipchart Friday Videos
flipchart friday
Top Three Risks
From interface management and optimization to certification, the processes that will mitigate risks to your project.
flipchart friday
Grout
In his latest video, Karl Davis discusses the reasons why you may or may not grout the transition piece skirt.
flipchart friday
Morten & Jan
Karl Davis takes a look at the role of developers vs designers in offshore wind and their conflicting needs.
Karl’s Tech Session Videos
the tech sessions
How deep can the monpile go?
Topics include fabrication, installation and turbine specification.
the tech sessions
The future of offshore wind
Are we at the start of a Golden Age for Offshore Wind? What could the next 10 years look like?
the tech sessions
How to get into offshore wind
As the industry races to expand, is recruiting causing bottlenecks in projects? What are the solutions?
Karl’s Articles
Empire gets deep on the CleanTalk Podcast
Karl sits down with CleanTalk’s own Luke Harmer to chat about Empire Engineering. From right through Karl’s life story, you’ll get insight into what makes an engineer tick, how one views the world, and a few laughs along the way.
Empire Engineering at 10 years old
2024 is a huge milestone for Empire Engineering as the company turns 10 years old. From a desk in Karl’s spare room, there are now 20 employees in offices around the globe. Karl Davis, Managing Director, took some time out to talk about why he started the company and...
Empire Engineering team days, Marseille, February 2024
While sitting at home back in Bristol, I write this, reflecting on the week just gone after four days based in the Empire Engineering Marseille office. At Empire, we place significant value in getting the whole team together regularly. I firmly believe spending time...
