Possible wave of new jobs in region
Sep 15 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal
Talks are under way about producing the platforms for the Turkish market and Mr Dawson is confident there will also be demand from the UK and across Europe.
He estimates that once the technology is proven, about 100 platforms could be produced annually, each with a £1m price tag.
TAG, based the Haverton Hill shipyard, is increasingly looking to the alternative energy sector to complement its oil and gas work.
Mr Dawson said: “There are 7,000 structures set to be built just for Europe in wind, wave and tidal power. We are bidding for oil and gas tenders and we have a number of tenders outstanding. And we are hoping to have more news [about renewables projects] in the next few months.
“The Tees Valley has a lot of heavy engineering heritage. Wave and tidal is similar technology to oil and gas, we are also located for opportunities along the east coast. Renewables projects could be the renaissance of the River Tees.”
The hub of wave power generation is the New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) in Blyth, Northumberland, which is being given up to £10m by the Government to develop test facilities. The centre could get more, with ministers earmarking up to £120m to boost offshore wind power development.
