Energi Coast, in conjunction with NOF Energy, Subsea North East and the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, showcased the region’s offshore renewables supply chain at an event at the House of Commons.

Sponsored by Stockton North MP, Alex Cunningham, members of Parliament representing constituencies from across the country joined representatives from the Energi Coast steering group, Subsea North East and the wider supply chain at the reception.

Held on the prestigious Terrace Pavilion at the Palace of Westminster, attendees discussed the opportunities and challenges facing the offshore renewables sector and the role the North East of England supply chain can play in its future.

The North East of England’s renewables group, Energi Coast, aims to raise awareness of the integrated supply chain that operates out of the region and that it has the skills, innovation and technology to support offshore renewables developments in both domestic and international waters.

Within that supply chain are a number of North East England-based subsea companies, represented at the reception by regional advocacy group, Subsea North East, which have been at the forefront of transferring and enhancing technologies used in oil and gas to aid the construction and maintenance of offshore wind farms.

Joanne Leng MBE, Deputy Chair of Energi Coast, said: “The North East has an important role to play in the development on the energy mix. It has an excellent reputation in oil & gas and this is being continued in emerging sectors such as offshore wind.

“The reception effectively displayed the integrated offshore renewables and subsea oil and gas supply chains that has been built in the North East and how they can play a significant role in the development of the growing offshore renewables industry.”

Alex Cunningham, MP, said: “I was delighted to sponsor the reception. The offshore sector contributes significantly to the North East of England’s economy and brings training, investment and well-paid, highly skilled jobs to the region. It is very important that awareness of the region’s capabilities is raised. The message to MPs from this event will be that the North East’s offshore sector has the capacity and skills to facilitate growth in the industry.”

George Rafferty, Chief Executive of NOF Energy, said: “NOF Energy supports Subsea North East and Energi Coast as the offshore renewables and subsea oil and gas sector supply chains provide significant contributions to the economy. North East companies that operate across both sectors are essential parts of this region’s economic development and can be invaluable to the development of offshore renewable projects.”

Andrew Hodgson, North East Local Enterprise board member, Chairman of Subsea North East and Chief Executive Officer of SMD, said: “This was the perfect event to demonstrate the importance of the offshore renewables and subsea sector to the North East. Both the Tees Valley and the North East Enterprise Partnerships have singled out these industries as being vital to the future economic growth of the country.”

Press Release, May 20, 2014