Wind Farm Developer Becomes Latest Member of Renewables Network (UK)

AN ENERGY company developing a North Sea wind farm has signalled its commitment to local contractors by becoming the latest member of a networking organisation.

RWE npower renewables, which is responsible for the Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm project, has demonstrated a wish to meet suppliers across the Humber and Lincolnshire areas through its decision to join the Renewables Network.

The firm is one of the UK’s leading renewable energy companies and has an extensive portfolio of on and offshore wind farms and hydroelectric power projects.

As well as Triton Knoll, which is 20 miles off the coast of Mablethorpe and could have up to 333 turbines, RWE npower renewables is investing in three onshore wind farms in the region, at Langham, near Anderby, and Wainfleet, both in Lincolnshire, and Saxby Wold, North Lincolnshire.

Each project would generate energy using renewable sources, reduce carbon emissions and provide economic benefits for their local communities, including job creation.

The Renewables Network has almost 200 member organisations, drawn from a wide variety of sectors, and aims to help businesses make the most of the expanding green energy market.

 Jacob Hain, Triton Knoll development manager at RWE npower renewables, said:

“Joining the Renewables Network shows our commitment in getting involved in the communities in which we work. Our previous experience when constructing other offshore wind farms has shown that local businesses are often best-placed to secure contracts. If the Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm receives planning permission, the wind farm will have a positive effect on employment and economic activity in the local area during its construction and operation.”

RWE npower renewables is undertaking a study to understand the likely number of jobs that could be created as a result of Triton Knoll, which could be operational from 2018 if approval is given.

But, already, the company has placed site survey contracts worth in excess of £1 million with local vessel owners, including in the Grimsby area.

 Paula Gouldthorpe, membership development director of the Renewables Network, said “RWE npower renewables decision to join the organisation illustrated how the region’s green energy supply chain was emerging rapidly”.

She said: “RWE npower renewables is investing heavily in our area, with an impressive combination of on and offshore wind farms”.

 “Triton Knoll, in particular, could see hundreds of jobs created in the region and the development proves how there are genuine chances for business based locally to secure contracts and provide vital services.

 “It is in everyone’s interest, whether as a developer or a supplier, to be aware of these opportunities and RWE npower renewables decision to join the Renewables Network will help ensure this happens.”

Representatives of RWE will also be outlining more about the company’s wind farm projects and commitment to the region’s economy by speaking at Renewing The Humber, a flagship green energy business conference.

The event, co-organised by the Renewables Network, is being staged on September 22 at Forest Pines Hotel & Golf Resort, North Lincolnshire, and is expected to attract hundreds of industry leaders and business people.

 Miss Gouldthorpe said: “We’re delighted to welcome RWE npower renewables , one of the UK’s leading energy companies, as both a member of the Renewables Network and as a high-profile speaker at Renewing The Humber.

 “I know our network’s diverse membership is looking forward to working with the firm and contributing to the company’s projects in the local community.”

Triton Knoll offshore wind farm could generate up to 1,200 megawatts of electricity when operational – meaning the development’s average annual energy production would be equivalent to the approximate domestic needs of 850,000 UK households.

RWE npower renewables Saxby Wold onshore wind farm, near the villages of Saxby All Saints, Horkstow and Bondby, would have up to 18 turbines and generate enough electricity to power up to 21,800 homes.

Through the wind farm’s operation, about £180,000 a year could be invested by the company in the community and wider region, with the development bringing a wide range of economic benefits to the area. During construction, this could see up to 70 people employed at the site.

The parent company of RWE npower renewables, RWE Innogy, is also part of the Forewind consortium, which is responsible for the proposed Dogger Bank offshore wind farm.

This large North Sea site, about 78 miles off the Yorkshire coast, would have a potential capacity of about 13,000 megawatts.

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Source: footprintrenewables, September 23, 2011