The fact that there is more to building a wind farm then just infrastructure has been confirmed by the recent statements of general manager of Scira Offshore Energy, EinarStrømsvåg, who pointed out that building of a strong local labor force is as important for wind energy production to gain a full swing.
Speaking of the 88 turbine Sheringham Shoal Offshore Wind Farm, under construction 10 miles north of Sheringham, he pointed out that:
“Sheringham Shoal is just the beginning. There will be many more wind farms built in the North Sea in future years and there are enormous opportunities for people in this region” , Norwich Evening News 24 reported.
Due to the fast pace development of the wind sector and the accompanying branches, it is much more beneficial to have workers who are based and settled locally,Mr. Strømsvåg added.
Therefore, in addition to the existing workers equipped with the relevant know-how, there is a rising need for training the new generations to be able to get to grips with the upcoming challenges of the offshore wind industry.
Due to that reason, North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb raised a possibility of transforming the Rural Norfolk Federation construction training unit in Fakenham into a training center for young people interested in the renewables sector, taking into account that the said facility is experiencing financial turbulences. Even though Scira hasn’t tabled this option with the relevant stakeholders, Mr.Strømsvåg referred to a possibility of setting up apprenticeship schemes within the company as a first step toward building up local human resource capacities.
Sheringham Shoal Offshore Wind Farm is scheduled for completion at the end of September, whereas its technical base, being built in Egmere, four miles south of Wells, should be up and running by November.
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Offshore WIND staff, June 26, 2012; Image: Scira Offshore Energy