WORLD WIND ENERGY NET

With support from UKTI Clipper Windpower is developing the world’s largest offshore wind turbine in north east England.

Clipper has chosen the New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) in Blyth, Northumberland, as the home for its new technology.

Here Clipper will access some of the most advanced blade-testing facilities in the world to develop a prototype turbine capable of delivering 7.5 megawatts of electricity into the UK’s National Grid.

UK Trade & Investment has worked closely with Clipper to help it find the optimum location for its ‘Britannia Project’ investment, in collaboration with regional development agency One NorthEast.

“Forward-thinking policy”
James G.P. Dehlsen, chairman and CEO of Clipper cited the UK’s renewable energy policy as a strong incentive for bringing the project to the UK.

"We established the Project based on the offshore wind application of our technology and in concert with the U.K. government's policy leadership targeted to provide upwards of 20% of the nation's electricity from renewable sources which will rely in great part on offshore wind development.

“This forward-thinking policy should provide strong and affirmative action on both climate change and the enhancement of domestic energy security,” he said.

Increasingly attractive renewables location
According to Secretary of State for Business and Enterprise John Hutton, “Clipper Windpower’s decision to develop a new generation of offshore wind turbines in the north east of England is further evidence that the UK is fast becoming a magnet for renewable energy investment.

“A recent report from Ernst & Young showed that the UK has moved up from fifth to second in the world for attractiveness in new renewable investment,” he commented.

Threefold increase in green energy
Hutton also commented on the UK Government’s determination to reduce planning barriers and increase support for marine and emerging renewables.

“By 2015 we expect to see a threefold increase in green energy feeding into the grid,” he said.