The supply chain in the north east of England is “fit and ready” to support offshore wind growth following the sector deal between industry and government, according to the region’s offshore wind cluster Energi Coast.
The cluster was formed in 2011 by energy sector business developers NOF to champion the north east’s supply chain companies.
Energi Coast chairman and Tekmar Group chief executive James Ritchie (pictured) 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.”
He added that the deal will support the development of supply chain clusters in the region.
“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,” he said.
Energi Coast covers a range of industries delivering services to the offshore wind industry including foundations, design, cables and cable laying, as well as port facilities and operations and maintenance support.
NOF chief executive George Rafferty 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 and maintenance of UK offshore wind farms, but also in the export of skills, products and services to other parts of the world.”