Turbine opportunity blows in

Nov 25 2009 by Kelley Price, Evening Gazette

THE Tees Valley’s windpower supply chain will soon have its chance to meet the company behind the world’s largest wind turbine blades.

Clipper Windpower Marine is already testing its 70m-long blades at the world-class New and Renewable Energy Centre in Blyth, Northumberland.

A £4.4m Government grant for the US company’s Britannia Project earlier this year could bring manufacturing to the North-east - and unlock huge contract potential for the Tees Valley’s burgeoning offshore wind supply chain.

A special Meet the Buyer event has been organised by regional development agency One North East to give potential future partners the chance to meet Clipper bosses, and companies that want to attend have until the end of today to register.

David Still, MD of Clipper Windpower Marine, said: “There is a long term market for offshore wind farms and Clipper aims to be a significant provider of turbines. To be successful, we need to see a supply chain grow with us to enable us to deliver a quality product. North-east businesses have an opportunity to join us.”

When finished, Clipper’s 10MW offshore turbines will stand 175 metres tall - around two-and-a-half times taller than the Transporter Bridge. The company wants to set up a North-east manufacturing plant for the composite 75m long blades and another facility to assemble gearboxes and nacelles, the shells that house the turbine mechanisms.

Bosses want to talk to companies that can offer services from electrical, component manufacturing, cabling and mechanical supply to specialist engineering services, fabricators and factory facility providers.

It’s estimated offshore wind will create 70,000 new UK jobs over the next 15 years, many of them in the North-east.

Ray Thompson, business manager for energy and engineering at One North East, said: “There are major opportunities for the region both with Clipper and in the wider offshore wind sector. We would like to introduce as many North-east businesses as possible to the company and partner organisations.”

The morning event takes place from 8.30am on Thursday, December 3, at the Newcastle Falcons’ Kingston Park Stadium. Attendees will be given the low-down on opportunities in the offshore wind sector, information on Clipper’s 10MW turbine design and how to conduct inquiries into potential future business with Clipper Windpower. Places are strictly limited and companies are asked to register their interest by the end of today.

Contact Clare McDermott, energy and engineering specialist advisor at One North East, on 0191 229 6500.