The offshore wind industry has an enormous potential to accelerate economic growth on the east coast of Britain, according an Offshore Wind Industry Council report.
A strategic review of port facilities in the east coast has found that they have the capability to support the many projects planned in the North Sea.
These major infrastructure projects will stimulate economic activity in some of the most economically deprived parts of the UK, leading to the creation of more supply chain companies throughout the country, it said.
The review, announced by former energy minister Andrea Leadsom in February, was led by Dong´s UK country manager Benj Sykes along with eight other offshore wind developers.
It aimed to identify opportunities to develop the UK’s east coast as a hub for the British and European offshore wind industry.
The team found that a regional approach to developing manufacturing facilities has the greatest potential to drive industrialization and improve efficiency.
It also noted a strong industry preference for using local ports for turbine staging activity.
The UK has the capability to meet the turbine staging needs for all known east coast projects, according to the report.
“This review brought together a jointly-led industry and government team to look at some of the fundamental issues which need to be addressed if we are to maximise the benefits of offshore wind development on the East Coast of Britain,” Sykes said.
“It will provide a springboard for further work to achieve a more coordinated approach as we seek to anticipate future demand, promote economic activity at existing ports and continue to build the supply chain.”
Image: Dong Energy
Eastern promise for UK wind
Port facilities could support future wind pipeline, OWIC review finds
By EBS