Expansion in offshore wind power could create up to 30,000 new jobs in manufacturing and bring £3 billion of investment to the North East, Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks will say during a visit to Gateshead and Northumberland.

Californian energy giant Clipper Wind has already been attracted to invest at the New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) at Blyth, which is emerging as one of the leading centres in the world for introducing new renewable technologies to the market, particularly offshore wind.

The Minister will officially unveil the building and equipment at NaREC where Clipper Wind plans to develop the world’s largest wind turbine, which will be almost 10 times taller than the 'Angel of the North'.

He will also meet a number of other leading offshore wind technology companies and view new facilities being developed with major turbine blade firms, which are working to realise the UK's massive expansion in offshore wind.


It is estimated around 3,000 extra offshore wind turbines will be needed to help the UK towards meeting its proposed EU target of 15% of total energy being generated from renewable sources by 2020.

Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks said: "The North East has a wealth of skills and experience in the manufacturing sector to diversify in to the green energy market.

"The region is a pioneer in offshore wind. Blyth was the location for the first wind turbines to be subject to the full force of the weather and waves in the North Sea.

"The New and Renewable Energy Centre is setting a fantastic example and I hope many other manufacturing companies will recognise the opportunities a shift to a low carbon economy will create."

As part of his visit to the North East, the Minister will also host a roadshow with local businesses to discuss how manufacturing can best compete in a global economy. The roadshow, held in partnership with One NorthEast, the Regional Development Agency, will take place at the Baltic Centre in Gateshead with an audience of manufacturing companies.

Delegates will be encouraged to discuss and debate how Government can help the manufacturing sector capitalise on the opportunities presented as the UK moves towards a low carbon economy.

(JM)