Great Yarmouth businesses are being encouraged by the Great Yarmouth Marketing Initiative (GYMI) to take advantage of the billion-pound offshore wind market by exhibiting at the European Wind Energy Conference (EWEC) in Milan in May.
The pace of the offshore wind energy industry off our coast is certainly picking up. Alistair Darling, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, recently gave consent for a 140-turbine wind farm off the Suffolk Coast. This ‘Greater Gabbard’ wind farm will provide power for 415,000 homes. It builds on the Government’s consent in December for 1.3 GW of wind energy at two offshore East coast wind farms; London Array and Thanet.
Great Yarmouth has central positioning to these, and other planned, wind farms. The town has an unquestionable offshore oil and gas pedigree, combined with its pioneering experience at Scroby Sands the UK second offshore wind farm. Great Yarmouth businesses are well positioned to capture economic benefit from both the construction and the long term operation and maintenance of these large scale offshore wind farms around our coastline.
To help companies enter this globally expanding market, GYMI and Renewables East are teaming up to provide exhibition opportunities at Europe’s largest wind energy event.
Companies have the chance to exhibit at EWEC on 7-10 May for just £1,000 + VAT. GYMI assists with all the preparation as well has setting up for companies at the exhibition.
Great Yarmouth Stevedoring, Great Yarmouth Port Authority, OBC Shipping and Waveney District Council have already signed up to the event.
Steve Clarke, Development Director for Offshore Renewable Energy with Renewables East explained the importance of exhibiting at this event: “EWEC is undoubtedly the meeting place for all wind energy professionals in Europe and, this year, with demand outstripping supply, the whole product and service supply chain will be high on the agenda.
“Companies should look to make their mark now if they don’t want to miss out on this massive industry which will draw significant skills from the Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft and East of England supply chain.”
For further information contact GYMI Co-ordinator Stephanie Pimlott on 01493 846108, or email: gymi@gymi.co.uk
External Links
Great Yarmouth Marketing Initiative website: www.gymi.co.uk
European Wind Energy Conference (EWEC) www.ewec2007.info