The UK supply chain has welcomed the result of the Contract for Difference Round 3 that saw six offshore wind farms totalling 5500MW secure support.
Energi Coast, the north-east of England’s offshore wind cluster, said the projects will create new opportunities for the region’s established and diverse supply chain.
Energi Coast chair and Tekmar Group chief executive James Ritchie (pictured) said: “This is a significant step forward to the UK offshore wind industry, which presents tangible opportunities for north-east England’s cluster of supply chain companies that have the experience and expertise to support their delivery and operation.
“We do not underestimate the challenges this price reduction will create, but I am confident our cluster will be cost-competitive to support the delivery of these projects and we hope developers will recognise the benefit of using a proven, local supply chain.
“The innovation that companies from our cluster have brought to the industry will enable these developers to deliver sustainable offshore wind generation and ensure the sector can play its role in decarbonising the UK energy system.”
The winning projects include Innogy’s 1.4GW Sofia development and SSE and Equinor’s Dogger Bank Creyke Beck A and B and Teesside A wind farms, all of which are located off the north-east coast of England.
Energy sector business development specialists NOF also welcomed the CfD3 result.
Chief executive George Rafferty said: “The UK supply chain has matured to become ideally-placed to support the offshore wind developments that have been awarded Contracts for Difference.
“Offshore wind is now a central part of a balanced UK energy mix and the companies within the NOF membership and its wider network for diversified and evolved to contribute to the delivery of these projects through the application of innovative technology-led solutions and effective working practices.”