Former UK Energy Minister Sir Michael Fallon is to present an update to his offshore wind supply chain study at a conference in northeast England next month.
During the meeting to be held at Subsea Innovation in Darlington on 16 November, Fallon will give feedback and reaction from the industry and politicians to the ‘Winning Locally, Going Global’ report published in April.
The study, which was commissioned by Wilton Engineering, made a number of headline recommendations including a 60% target for UK content for offshore wind projects in British waters.
Fallon also called for expenditure on each wind farm to be reported in a more transparent way that includes added-value in both jobs and local skills.
At next month’s meeting, Fallon will also discuss some of the subsequent industry ideas to bolster the UK supply chain including the creation of a so-called local content commissioner to monitor and support the 60% target.
Tekmar Group chief executive and North East Renewables Supply Chain Group chair James Ritchie said: “The event will also give Sir Michael the opportunity to hear the views of supply chain companies, which are backing his recommendations and have further suggestions that will help them be successfully implemented.”