British firms ‘reaping benefits from investment in offshore wind farms’

BRITISH COMPANIES are increasingly benefiting from offshore wind farms, it has been claimed.

Over the last two years the share of money spent on wind farms going to UK firms has risen by five per cent, according to the report from industry body RenewableUK.

The Humber has positioned itself as a major hub for the growing offshore wind industry with the opening of the Siemens turbine plan in Hull and the development of Grimsby as a major port for service vessels.

RenewableUK chief executive Hugh McNeal said: “This report shows that offshore wind has become a key part of the UK economy, creating much-needed jobs not only in coastal communities like Hull, Grimsby and Great Yarmouth but also across the country in the ever-expanding supply chain.

“A huge number of British companies are heavily involved in building the UK’s world-leading offshore wind sector.

“Companies which build offshore wind farm in UK waters are committed to maximising the amount of local content they use, bringing inward investment and to local regeneration.”

RenewableUK said the wind farm industry would inject more than £11bn into the UK economy over the next four years.

Energy Minister Richard Harrington said: “This report demonstrates the strength of this growing sector and the positive impact it is having on the UK supply chain.

“We will continue to support offshore wind developments through our industrial strategy, helping to reduce carbon emissions while growing the economy.”