WIREDGOV

Over forty organisations yesterday joined forces to set out a long-term vision for the deployment of offshore wind in the northern seas and the economic opportunities this presents.  These included world-leading manufacturers, cutting-edge developers, supply-chain firms, researchers and industry-bodies.

The new network – called norstec – was first announced by the Prime Minister at the Clean Energy Ministerial in April and brought together around 20 companies. Yesterday, with its ranks more than doubled and numbers continuing to grow, the network held its first full meeting in London centred around this vision and the role that norstec can play in maximising the potential of the northern seas’ abundant resources.

Norstec communicated the scale of the opportunity and the benefits of clean energy in Europe’s northern seas to the public and the business and political spheres. Signatories collaborated and shared information to ensure that the benefits offered by vast clean energy potential in the Northern Seas are fully realised.

Prime Minister, David Cameron, said:

“I continue to be strongly supportive of the UK offshore renewables sector and am delighted to see Norstec rising from the waves. As I said when I launched this network last April we are on the cusp of a second, clean energy revolution in the North Sea. Close collaboration between industry and government will be critical to making this happen.”

Edward Davey, Energy and Climate Change Secretary, said:

“The offshore wind industry represents a massive growth opportunity for the UK and our neighbours around the northern seas, bringing jobs and re-energising once thriving industrial heartlands on the East Coast and beyond.

“I am determined that we work closely with North Seas governments, businesses and academics to make the most of our plentiful offshore renewable resources.

“Norstec will help the offshore wind industry in the northern seas to grow and create a new industrial revolution, driving economic growth across this part of Europe. I’m delighted to see the potential for offshore wind deployment in the northern seas set out so clearly and vividly.”

Notes for editors

1. Read the norstec vision statement filetype:pdf filesize: 81.8Kb
2. Watch the Norstec launch videoExternal link
3. The Norstec websiteExternal link will be launched on Thursday 4 October.
4. Norstec signatories:

• Able UK
• Alstom
• Areva
• Balfour Beatty
• The Crown Estate
• David Brown Gear Systems Ltd.
• Deep Ocean Group
• Dong Energy
• EDPR
• E.On
• Fluor Ltd.
• Gamesa
• Harland & Wolff
• Hochtief
• JDR Cables
• Mainstream
• Modus Seabed Intervention Ltd
• Narec
• National Grid
• NIRAS Consulting Ltd
• OGN Group & Aquind
• Parsons Brinckerhoff
• PMT Industries Ltd.
• Prysmian Group
• RenewableUK
• REpower
• Repsol
• Scottish Enterprise
• Scottish Power
• Scottish Renewables
• SeaEnergy PLC
• Seajacks
• Siemens
• Skanska SMIT-Grontmij
• Southboats
• SSE
• Statkraft
• Statoil
• TAG Energy Solutions
• Tata Steel
• Technip
• Vattenfall
• Vestas
• VSMC