North East England's offshore wind cluster, Energi Coast, has declared the region's supply chain is 'fit and ready' for growth after an announcement of the Sector Deal for offshore wind.
The North East has been important in the development of offshore wind energy since the industry's inception and boasts a number of innovative, technology-led suppliers.
Since the creation of the first offshore wind farm near Blyth in 2000, there has been an evolution in the North East for the industry that has led to applications across the UK and internationally.
Energi Coast chairman James Ritchie
As a consequence, the cluster is now able to deliver all aspects necessary for construction of offshore wind farms from the foundations, design, cables and cable laying. It also operates an extension network of port facilities which house a number of Operation & Maintenance companies providing support for offshore wind farms.
Energi Coast was founded in 2011 by energy development group NOF with the intention of championing innovation and collaboration in offshore renewables in the North East.
James Ritchie, Chairman of Energi Coast and CEO of Tekmar Group, said: “The Sector Deal for the offshore wind industry is a significant step forward in creating a sustainable industry and providing real value creation to our local supply chain, which is fit and ready to serve our growing sector.”
“Offshore wind is a central part of the world’s clean energy future due to its renewed competitiveness and scalability. Delivering it requires an innovative supply chain to produce effective and efficient technology and services that supports the construction, operation and maintenance of offshore wind farms, which is something the North East has done successfully."
“The Sector Deal will support the development of supply chain clusters, such as the maturing Energi Coast group of companies in the North East of England, which builds on a heritage from maritime and subsea oil and gas and have been at the forefront of this exciting renewable sector since its inception."
“This region has been instrumental in the establishment of the UK offshore wind industry and has led the way as a major contributor to local content with innovative subsea and offshore technology. We hope to increase our role to play as the industry evolves further on the back of this significant Sector Deal.”
George Rafferty, Chief Executive of NOF said: “The sector deal has the potential to attract considerable inward investment to the UK and in turn generate thousands of jobs in the supply chain. Innovative British companies, particularly those in the North East England cluster, have been integral to the helping the UK establish a world-renowned offshore wind industry and the sector deal will support further development in the supply chain. This will aid the use of more local content in both construction and operations & maintenance of UK offshore wind farms, but also in the export of skills, products and services to other parts of the world.”
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