North East England Could Benefit from Offshore Wind Strategy

Energi Coast, North East England’s offshore renewables group, believes that the region’s supply chain can be one of the biggest winners from the UK Government’s offshore wind industry strategy.

The group says the strategy, which was published by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills on 1 August, will generate much needed confidence and stability in the sector, which will provide considerable opportunities for supply chain companies, particularly in the North East.

The region has a growing offshore wind sector supply chain, which is highlighted in the offshore wind strategy with references to the expertise of companies including Heerema, JDR Cables, IHC Engineering Business, DeepOcean, Osbit Power and TAG Energy Solutions.

Already the 24 companies involved in the Energi Coast steering group have invested more than £400m in their offshore wind operations and employ in excess of 6000. The expected growth in the sector will increase these figures by at least 30 percent.

Alex Dawson, Chairman of Energi Coast and Chief Executive of TAG Energy Solutions, said: “We welcome the offshore wind strategy as it is an important next step towards securing the future of this industry. Clarity of direction and confidence in the market is crucial if the industry is to attract further investment. Anything that can be done to bring projects forward against a history of market delay and slippage will be beneficial and this strategy sets out some clear objectives to get the sector on track.”

He added: “Offshore wind presents a massive opportunity for North East companies. Our location and infrastructure offers huge benefits to the industry as does the technology-led solutions developed by companies in the region.

 “While considerable investment has already been made in the region’s supply chain capabilities, which is recognised in the strategy document, increased confidence in the industry will encourage further developments that will allow companies to industrialise manufacturing processes and increase volume. This is crucial if offshore wind demand and cost reduction is to be met.”

NOF Energy, the business development organisation for oil, gas, nuclear and offshore renewables industries, which formed Energi Coast, believes that the strategy will help the industry come of age.

Paul Livingstone, Business Development Manager at NOF Energy said: “This strategy will help bring long term sustainable business to UK companies and job creation for the benefit of the UK economy.

 “The delays caused of a lack of clarity in the sector have been felt by companies in the supply chain, however this strategy, along with other developments such as the recently published draft strike prices, will encourage investment and allow the sector to come of age and play a significant role in the UK’s balanced energy future.”

[mappress]

Press release, August 1, 2013; Image: recognitionpr