Offshore wind opportunities presented to regional businesses

26/02/2010

Today over 300 business delegates from across the region are attending an event to hear about the opportunities the UK Round 3 wind farm zones will hold for them, outlining the scale of this vast initiative and the type of contracts available.

Yorkshire Forward and The Crown Estate are holding the UK Offshore Wind Supply Chain Event at Doncaster Racecourse which will give regional businesses the chance to hear from Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Ed Miliband and industry representatives about the future of offshore wind in the region.

SMart Wind, the developer of the Hornsea zone, which is a joint venture between Siemens Project Ventures (a division of Siemens Financial Services) and Mainstream Renewable Power, will outline what it is they need from their supply chains in order to build the wind zone.

Regionally based companies including manufacturers, major consulting engineers, project managers, service organisations such as vessel operators and ports, knowledge based and training organisations, as well as potential inward investors to the region, will all learn about the wider supply chain requirements and the support available to make the most of this and other industry opportunities.

Yorkshire’s new Advanced Engineering and Materials (AEM) Innovation Network will support the supply chain for the turbines, towers and blades. Whilst the supply chain for the balance of plant – foundations, cables, offshore substation, scour protection, vessel operations, environmental impact, engineering and project management – will be supported by Yorkshire Forward and its relevant sector networks.

Hornsea wind farm, off the coast of the Humber, has a total area of 4,735km2 and the width is equal to the width of the UK from Liverpool to Hull. It will provide 4GW which will contribute to the UK target of 15 per cent renewable energy by 2020. In total it will provide enough electricity to meet 4 per cent of all electricity demand in the UK, providing power to approximately 3million homes.

Tom Riordan, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Forward; "We are well placed to take advantage of the offshore opportunities this vast renewable energy infrastructure holds, because of our regional strengths. Our location, including harbour and ports, marine experience, skill base, and engineering capabilities are excellent.

"We will ensure that our region’s businesses make the most of the opportunities this growing industry presents and we encourage them to plan and to act now.”

Dr. Eddie O’Connor, Chief Executive of Mainstream Renewable Power commented, “This is about delivering a whole new industry for the Humber region, one that provides sustainable, secure and indigenous power as well as thousands of new jobs throughout the supply chain. This will have a major impact on the long-term economic development of the area as well as positioning it as the global leader in offshore wind generation. As SMart Wind, it is our intention to work closely with local communities to ensure that this new industry brings real opportunities for jobs, training and new business.”

For further information please contact the Inward Investment Team, Environmental Technologies or Advanced Engineering and Materials Sector Teams at Yorkshire Forward – www.yorkshire-forward.com
 
Notes to editors:
Yorkshire Forward
• Yorkshire Forward is the Regional Development Agency behind the economic regeneration of Yorkshire and Humber. It aims to make a positive difference by investing in jobs, improving towns and cities, and in supporting businesses throughout the region.
• Yorkshire Forward’s investment across the region is maximised by attracting European Regional Development Funding.
• For further information, images or to arrange an interview, please contact Laura Scholey, Press Manager on 0113 3949540 or email laura.scholey@yorkshire-forward.com