The East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) has launched a campaign to secure a ‘footprint’ for the region’s business expertise for new offshore wind farm developments in the UK and worldwide.
The project is part of the EEEGR’s new offshore wind supply chain special interest group (SIG), which will also help developers fulfil UK and local content targets.
“Businesses will work together to map the region’s skills base, which will also be marketed for export to the developing industry in the US, Japan and China, as well as the busy European market,” EEEGR said.
At the first meeting of the new SIG, chaired by Graham Hacon, chief executive of Great Yarmouth-based 3sun, members agreed to compile a complete picture of the breadth of the region’s expertise.
ScottishPower Renewables and SSE offered to share their supply chain plans with the SIG at future meetings, EEEGR said.
The group will also look at the six geographical clusters of offshore wind development in the UK and Europe and target those that the East of England regional supply chain could work on.
Companies in the East of England offshore wind business should also consider investing in the future by offering work placements and internships now to students.
Great Yarmouth College principal Stuart Rimmer told a gathering of industry participants at OrbisEnergy in Lowestoft that “the future skills pipeline is vital to make the industry work”.
Image: Port of Great Yarmouth
Supply chain offers eastern promise
East of England Energy Group launches campaign to raise offshore profile
By EBS