International investors tour North East’s ‘innovative and dynamic’ offshore wind sector

A group of international investors visited offshore wind sites around the North East last week to learn about the region’s strengths in the sector.

Invest North East England toured facilities in Northumberland and Tyne and Wear on Friday (November 9) with VIPs from the Offshore Wind North East Week.

Delegates visited the Port of Blyth, where representatives of the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult introduced the centre and discussed its role as a world-class R&D and testing facility for the world’s biggest wind turbines and blades.

The tour also included a trip to the offshore sector on the banks of the Tyne, where the VIPs had a chance to meet representatives of marine engineering firm A&P Tyne and offshore wind energy training provider AIS Training.

It came the day after the Offshore Wind North East Conference and Exhibition, held in Newton Aycliffe and organised by NOF Energy in partnership with Energi Coast, the region’s offshore wind industry cluster.

Invest North East England director Guy Currey said: “The North East is in the enviable position of being able to say we can meet all offshore wind industry needs in one location.

“With numerous world class companies in a very experienced local supply chain, a wide range of sites next to deep water and our proximity to major wind developments in the North Sea including Dogger Bank wind farms, innogy’s Sofia Project and Hornsea, North East England can support the manufacture of a range of offshore wind components and structures, as well a whole host of commissioning, installation, and operations and maintenance functions.”

He added: “We have fantastic investment opportunities, specialist R&D and testing facilities, a world-renowned talent pool, and the support available for new business investors.”

NOF Energy’s deputy CEO, Joanne Leng MBE, commented: “The North East’s cluster of supply chain companies has grown in strength and depth in recent years, helping the region becoming a hub for offshore wind activities.

“Our UK and international VIP guests, who have visited some of the region’s innovative and dynamic companies on this tour, will have seen first hand how the North East of England is at the heart of an exciting and evolving industry.”