The East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) and the Virginia Offshore Wind Coalition (VOW) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which is expected to create opportunities in the United States for east of England offshore wind businesses.
EEEGR, an organisation that represents more than 300 energy companies, described the MoU as an “exciting and important partnership” bringing export opportunities for businesses in the vanguard of the wind industry in the east of England.
EEEGR chief executive Simon Gray said the MoU reflected the global nature, influence and significance of the Great Yarmouth-based organisation and future opportunities for its supply chain members.
“The offshore wind industry is in its infancy in the US with just one offshore wind farm so far at Block Island, New England, which saw its first turbines last year. VOW is looking to draw on the expertise in the east of England, which is at the centre of the of the world-leading UK and European fast-maturing industry,” Gray said.
“We are seeing study tours from the States and elsewhere looking to see what they can learn from the East of England. These partnerships will provide opportunities for east of England companies to export to the US.”
Gray said synergies between Virginia and the east of England included port assets, accessibility infrastructure maritime and construction support industry, workforce development and availability.
After the USD 300 million Block Island, new projects are following with expectation the U.S. will follow the same course as Europe and embrace offshore wind as part of a wider drive to decarbonise electricity generation, Gray said.