A supply chain mapping exercise of the region’s cluster of companies involved in the sector also revealed turnover in their offshore wind activities is expected to more than double to £2.2bn in the same time period.
The 228 North East England companies that responded to the survey employ 14,300 people in the region, of which 4300 are involved in offshore wind. In the next five years the companies expect to create an additional 4500 jobs in offshore wind with a target of that figure including 1200 women, 1000 graduates, 600 apprentices and 550 ex-forces personnel.
Energi Coast and the North East England’s supply chain cluster is one of the most mature in the industry with a number of companies involved in the sector since its inception and many making the transition from oil & gas to offshore wind.
As a result, 88% of companies advised that offshore wind is a priority for their businesses with 63% suggesting that the sector is more important that their traditional sectors such as oil & gas and nuclear.
To achieve the financial and employment increases targeted by North East England’s supply chain, companies believe that greater support from the Government is required, particularly in the area of UK and local content.
Energi Coast chair James Ritchie said;
“The Supply Chain Mapping exercise really lays out the size and scale of the offshore wind sector in North East England and its vital role it can play in the UK economy.
“We estimate that there are around 400 companies operating in North East England’s offshore wind cluster and with the information provided by just over half of these businesses we are able to send a clear message to government and the decision makers in the offshore wind sector that our region is a go-to destination for a wide range of products and services.
“However, the planned growth and level of new employment will only happen if the Government and developers commit to utilising UK and local content in projects in British waters.
“The region has a broad depth of skills, expertise and industry specific experience that is well placed to make a valuable contribution to the sector if companies are given the opportunities to be part of current and future projects.”
Energi Coast deputy chair Joanne Leng adde;
“North East England has been active in the offshore wind sector since the early days of the industry.
“Since then, the region has become a key region for the offshore wind industry both in terms of developments such as the Dogger Bank Wind Farm and the RWE Sofia Offshore Wind Farm, and its diverse and expansive supply chain cluster.
“This has led to offshore wind becoming a priority for the region’s companies, especially in relation to the delivery of a post-COVID-19 green economic recovery, and this means ongoing support must be provided to the local supply chain to further develop their business in the sector and ensure diversification support is provided to new entrants coming into the market with transferable skills.”