RWE has launched online portal to boost UK supply chain opportunities at the 1400MW Sofia offshore wind farm off the east coast of England.
The open search directory is part of a wider portal that will also highlight upcoming contract opportunities with Sofia and its key contractors, and will publish case studies on how UK companies have contributed to the development of the wind farm.
Sofia offshore wind farm head of procurement Mike Nolan said: “We are keen to maximise the involvement of UK companies as the project progresses, particularly with onshore construction due to start in Teesside in the first quarter of 2021.
“Our key aim for the online directory is to provide a platform for suppliers to create their own presence, tailored to their offshore wind ambitions, and for others throughout the offshore wind supply chain to use it to search for the goods and services they need.
“We encourage all suppliers with an interest in working with the project to register their details online, and we will work closely with our Tier 1 suppliers to make sure they also fully engage with the features of the portal.”
There will be opportunities for companies to tender for a range of services, particularly related to port and vessel activity around the delivery of turbines, for which Siemens Gamesa is the preferred supplier.
Other areas of potential for UK suppliers is for the HVDC package, for which GE’s Grid Solutions’ facilities in Stafford will produce many of the primary elements.
Nolan said: “As more suppliers come on board we will encourage their active participation in the portal to ensure it adds maximum value to the project, to our suppliers, and to potential suppliers across the supply chain.”