Norstec network to promote northern seas renewables

Oct 5, 2012 - More than 40 organisations participating in the Norstec network held their full meeting in London yesterday as they seek to create a long-term vision for offshore wind energy in the northern seas, the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) said.

The network was first announced by the UK Prime Minister David Cameron in April. The number of organisations involved has more than doubled since then and is continuing to grow, according to the announcement. The network brings together manufacturers, developers, supply-chain businesses, researchers and industry bodies, with its signatories including Dong Energy, Siemens (ETR:SIE), Vestas (CPH:VWS), Gamesa (MCE:GAM), as well as The Crown Estate, the body that manages the UK seabed.

Norstec will inform the public, business and politicians about the scale of the clean energy opportunities and benefits in Europe's northern seas, DECC says, and participants will cooperate and share information to make sure that those benefits are fully realised.

UK Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Edward Davey, said that the offshore wind industry was a huge growth opportunity for the UK and its northern seas neighbours. "I am determined that we work closely with North Seas governments, businesses and academics to make the most of our plentiful offshore renewable resources," Davey said.

According to Norstec's vision statement, more than 40 GW of offshore wind capacity could be deployed in Europe's northern seas by 2020.

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