THE organisation representing renewable energy companies in the North East has recruited five big-hitters from the sector to its steering group.

Energi Coast said they will bring a wealth of experience and expertise from the global energy industry supply chain to the group, which raises awareness on an international level of the renewables sector.

They are Gareth Ellery, of Newcastle geotechnical engineering consultancy Cathie Associates, Chris Jones of Stocksfield-based IHC Engineering Business, Dr Tony Trapp, of Northumberland engineering solutions firm OSBIT Power, Jim Pyrah, of Newcastle-based renewable engineering firm Senergy Survey and GeoEngineering Ltd, and Dominic Abraham, of Corbridge-based Sure Wind Marine.

Energi Coast’s Steering Group alone has invested around £400m in its offshore renewables activities and has a combined turnover of £200m in offshore wind.

The group forecasts the turnover of its operations in this sector will double as the offshore renewables market expands further, particularly those in the Humber Gateway, Westermost Rough and Race Bank.

Alex Dawson, chairman of Energi Coast, said: “The strength of North East England’s offshore wind supply chain is growing rapidly and the experience the new members of the steering group bring to Energi Coast will further enhance our reputation internationally.

“As well as possessing valuable individual experience in the offshore industry, each company on the steering group represents North East England’s innovative offering to the offshore wind sector, demonstrating the region’s increasing presence in the market.”