The East of England is the powerhouse of the global wind power sector – that’s the message it is taking straight to the heart of Europe.
More than 1000 exhibitors are expected at the new international trade fair, WindEnergy Hamburg, on September 23-26 and the East of England Energy Zone (EEEZ) is determined to wave the flag there for the region.
“The event could hardly have been more timely, coming hard on the heels of news of the DECC’s planning consent for the 1200MW East Anglia ONE wind farm off our coast and Statoil and Statkraft’s decision to go ahead with the 402MW Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm off Norfolk,” said James Gray, EEEZ inward investment director .
“In addition, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft recently won Assisted Area Status.
“Everyone recognises that the UK has more operational wind farms than the rest of the world combined. But we heard at the EEEG2014 Conference in Norwich that nearly 70% of that UK installed capacity is off the East Anglia coast.
“That is a staggering proportion and a compelling case for investment in our region when you back it up with the 50 years’ experience the region has of working offshore in the North Sea – 10 of them on windfarms – and the expertise and maritime skills it possesses.
“We’ll be taking on much of the UK as we try to attract this work into the East of England but there’s likely to be even fiercer competition from Europe.”
A total of about 30 countries from Denmark to the USA and China, are exhibiting at WindEnergy with more than 15 national pavilions representing their countries, including a shared UK site for Renewable UK/EIC
“Our message is simple. We offer excellent logistical advantages. Our supply chain and energy sector infrastructure is stronger than most regions, we have excellent port facilities, available land, Enterprise Zones in Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth, and now Assisted Area Status as well as being a Centre for Offshore Renewable Engineering (CORE),” said Mr Gray .
“And our role through the EEEZ is to provide quick and easy access to the region for inward investors. We are a unique single point of contact which cuts through the red tape and eases the a path into the region as we represent both Norfolk and Suffolk county councils and Chambers of Commerce; district councils for Waveney, Great Yarmouth and North Norfolk; and the East of England Energy Group.”