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£640,000 Wind Farm Investment creates 1,000 jobs

A North East engineering firm is set to create up to 1,000 new jobs after receiving a Government grant to build the foundations for offshore wind farms.

Offshore Group Newcastle were given a £640,000 grant to build the foundation structures, which will be designed for large wind turbine generators in water over 30 metres deep.

Speaking to the Press Association, OGN chief executive David Edwards said: “We are delighted to have been selected for this grant. Government support is especially vital in the early stages of project development.

“The offshore wind energy market is crucial to Britain’s future energy needs and we will do our utmost to ensure that this grant takes the UK into an even stronger role as the lead player in this sector.”

The design and technology of the new foundations have the potential to reduce the costs of offshore wind foundations by at least 25%, making wind energy a viable renewable energy source for the UK.

Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said: “The coalition is determined to drive ambitious green growth and this is putting our money where our mouth is. This cash shows we are delivering on our commitment to support innovation and offshore wind.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .