UK: Long-Term Vision for Offshore Wind Deployment in Northern Seas

Over forty organisations will today join forces to set out a long-term vision for the deployment of offshore wind in the northern seas and the economic opportunities this presents. These include world-leading manufacturers, cutting-edge developers, supply-chain firms, researchers and industry-bodies.

The new network – called norstec – was first announced by the Prime Minister at the Clean Energy Ministerial in April and brought together around 20 companies. Today, with its ranks more than doubled and numbers continuing to grow, the network is holding its first full meeting in London centred around this vision and the role that norstec can play in maximising the potential of the northern seas’ abundant resources.

Norstec will communicate the scale of the opportunity and the benefits of clean energy in Europe’s northern seas to the public and the business and political spheres. Signatories will collaborate and share information to ensure that the benefits offered by vast clean energy potential in the Northern Seas are fully realised.

 Prime Minister, David Cameron, said:

 “I continue to be strongly supportive of the UK offshore renewables sector and am delighted to see Norstec rising from the waves. As I said when I launched this network last April we are on the cusp of a second, clean energy revolution in the North Sea. Close collaboration between industry and government will be critical to making this happen.”

 Edward Davey, Energy and Climate Change Secretary, said:

 “The offshore wind industry represents a massive growth opportunity for the UK and our neighbours around the northern seas, bringing jobs and re-energising once thriving industrial heartlands on the East Coast and beyond.

 “I am determined that we work closely with North Seas governments, businesses and academics to make the most of our plentiful offshore renewable resources.

 “Norstec will help the offshore wind industry in the northern seas to grow and create a new industrial revolution, driving economic growth across this part of Europe. I’m delighted to see the potential for offshore wind deployment in the northern seas set out so clearly and vividly.”

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Press release, October 04, 2012; Image: nrdc