Since opening their base in the North East England at the end of last year, Global Underwater Hub (GUH) have hosted a full events schedule with a range of networking and conferences taking place across the region. Our Business Growth and Investment Manager, Rachel Ryder headed to the GUH Moorings & Anchors Conference and Workshop to learn more about growing opportunities across the floating offshore wind sector. We caught up with Rachel to find out what she had learned and the potential opportunities for Northumberland:
The Moorings & Anchors Conference and Workshop from GUH offered the opportunity to hear from sector specialists operating in the sector who provided a deep dive into the world of moorings and anchors; presentations provided details on the estimated length of moorings required to meeting targets as well as exploring innovative anchor designs that are available across the sector.
The UK aims to reach net zero by 2050, meaning that plans and proposals are underway to help decarbonise all sectors in a bid to have a cleaner and greener country. Offshore wind plays a critical role in supporting the decarbonisation of the UK power system by 2035 and helping the UK to achieve net zero by 2050, this means that we can expect more projects delivered at significant scale to produce green energy. It also means that we can expect advancements in existing technologies and new innovative technologies entering the offshore wind sector. The UK has a world-leading ambition to deploy 50GW of offshore wind by 2030, with 5GW coming from the new and innovative emergence of floating offshore wind. This bold ambition will see an increase in the supply and manufacturing of vital elements related to floating offshore wind design.
Anchor and mooring systems are used to secure floating offshore wind turbines to the seabed, this ensures they stay in the desired location therefore producing maximum output. Mooring systems are made up of chains and synthetic rope and work by connecting the anchor in the seabed to the turbine. According to GUH, more than 9,000 anchors, 9,000 lengths of chain, 4,000km of rope and 9,000 buoyancy units are required to meet market demand, with requirements likely to increase as the sector continues to develop and expand. With the UK’s extensive knowledge and understanding of fixed-bottom offshore wind and oil and gas, the experienced supply chain is well positioned to deliver on these targets.
Due to this progressive growth in floating offshore wind, it is likely that more manufacturing facilities to produce anchors and moorings will be required across the UK in order to meet demands. At the conference GUH outlined its aim to establish the UK as a global centre of excellence for mooring and anchoring systems, understanding that the UK has the supply chain, skills, knowledge, port capabilities and land opportunities to support this growth.
So, how can Northumberland help with this expected growth?
Northumberland was the location of the UK’s first offshore wind farm and is home to The Port of Blyth, a port with over 24 years’ experience in offshore wind, the county offers the ideal destination for investors looking to deliver floating offshore wind projects and establish manufacturing facilities to produce anchors and moorings. Prime quay linked land is available at Investment Zone Site, Bates Clean Energy Terminal at Port of Blyth to support projects across the fixed and floating offshore wind sector. For investors looking at development land for manufacturing facilities, Ashwood Business Park, West Hartford Business Park and Northumberland Business Park are all located within 15 minutes of Port of Blyth offering proximity to offshore wind projects, highly connected locations road and rail plus access to a skilled workforce.
With the floating offshore wind sector set to grow as the UK works towards its 2050 net zero target, Northumberland offers an ideal opportunity for businesses operating in the sector to take advantage of premium office space overlooking The Port of Blyth, a wide variety of industrial units and prime development land.
To find out more talk to the Advance Northumberland Team at Global Offshore Wind 2024 in June, where they’ll be exhibiting with Port of Blyth. Learn about Energy Central, the vibrant and diverse cluster of energy businesses that operates in Northumberland and understand how the partnership which includes Advance Northumberland, Northumberland County Council, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, The Port of Blyth and the North East Combined Authority is working towards powering Northumberland forward as the destination for renewable energy.