Windpower is key for Teesside firms

Mar 19 2010 by Kelley Price, Evening Gazette

Utility company Centrica, which was awarded one of the nine Round Three development zones, says high costs could prove a barrier and it will proceed only “if the economic conditions are right”.

Andy Williamson, business development officer at Narec, said: “This is not a debate about whether it’s renewables, coal-fired or nuclear generation. The UK needs just about every kind of energy it can possibly generate.

“Renewables, in particular offshore wind, is a frontrunning technology to play a huge part in contributing to the UK’s energy demand.

“If we build out 20 gigawatts of offshore wind, that represents roughly 12% of the UK’s entire electricity demand. It’s a very important part of the mix.”

Mr Thompson added: “The main driver for this is the binding EU-wide commitment towards carbon reduction. It’s a stringent and short term target - 2020 is looming and realistically, offshore wind is the technology making big steps.

“It’s proven technology and it’s commercially viable.”

The open access Narec tower will train technicians working on both on and offshore windfarms at height.

David Kidney MP told the Gazette: “Facilities like this bring home how urgently we need to acquire the skills in the new green industries, this is a very impressive development.”

For more from yesterday’s launch. log on to nebusiness.co.uk