The region’s strengths in the offshore wind sector were showcased to a group of international investors today (Friday 9 November) as Invest North East England toured with VIP delegates of the Offshore Wind North East Week to key sites in Northumberland and Tyne and Wear.
The visit takes place the day after the Offshore Wind North East Conference and Exhibition in Newton Aycliffe, which is organised by NOF Energy in partnership with Energi Coast, the North East of England’s offshore wind industry cluster.
Guy Currey, director of Invest North East England, sponsors of a series of events being organised around the Conference, said:
“The North East is in the enviable position of being able to say we can meet all offshore wind industry needs in one location. With numerous world class companies in a very experienced local supply chain, a wide range of sites next to deep water and our proximity to major wind developments in the North Sea including Dogger Bank windfarms, innogy’s Sofia Project and Hornsea, North East England can support the manufacture of a range of offshore wind components and structures, as well a whole host of commissioning, installation, and operations and maintenance functions. We have fantastic investment opportunities, specialist R&D and testing facilities, a world-renowned talent pool, and the support available for new business investors.”
VIPs on the tour visited the Port of Blyth to learn more about the growing offshore wind cluster based there. Representatives from The Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult introduced the UK’s flagship technology innovation and research centre and explained its role as a world-class research and development and testing facility for the world’s largest wind turbines and blades.
The tour also included a visit to the thriving offshore sector on the banks of the River Tyne and a chance to meet with marine engineering company, A&P Tyne, and one of the world’s largest offshore wind energy training specialists, AIS Training.
Joanne Leng MBE, Deputy Chief Executive at NOF Energy, said:
“The North East’s cluster of supply chain companies has grown in strength and depth in recent years, helping the region becoming a hub for offshore wind activities. Our UK and international VIP guests, who have visited some of the region’s innovative and dynamic companies on this tour, will have seen first hand how the North East of England is at the heart of an exciting and evolving industry.”
North East England has been pioneering advances in the offshore energy sector for decades and thanks to the skills pool in the region, the existing supply chain cluster and fantastic array of sites and port services, the region has emerged as one of the best places in the world for companies engaged in the offshore wind sector to operate from.
To find out more about North East England’s offshore wind sector and inward investment opportunities, please visit www.energygatewaynortheast.co.uk or call 0191 519 7210.
