Vattenfall Kicks Off UK Offshore Wind Supply Chain Campaign

Vattenfall has launched its national supply chain campaign in Norwich, UK, to present opportunities from the proposed Norfolk Vanguard, Norfolk Boreas and Thanet Extension offshore wind farms.

The campaign, part of the commitment to the Offshore Wind Sector Deal, will gather around 300 companies to hear about opportunities ahead of the three wind farms and other Vattenfall’s offshore wind projects.

“We are working with local skills providers and economic development agencies to ensure the local workforce – and local businesses – are ready when we need them,” said Rob Lilly, Supply Chain Manager for Vattenfall.

“With the growth rate of offshore wind in the UK, we want to ensure local companies can take advantage of the diversification and growth opportunities it will offer – not just in the short term, but for future generations.”

Vattenfall wants most of the 420 jobs expected to be created by onshore construction, the hundreds offshore during construction and the 150 skilled technicians needed to look after the wind farms for 20-years to come from the region. The Peel Ports Great Yarmouth is reserved for supporting offshore operations.

The focus will be on engaging small to medium-sized companies (SMEs), manufacturers and main contractors, as well as those who could benefit from opportunities in the local area.

Vattenfall, Norfolk County Council and Norfolk Chambers of Commerce recently secured GBP 22,000 from New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, which will enable the building of supply chain capacity by alerting SMEs to opportunities and getting them ready to potentially bid.