RWE, Tata Steel UK partner on floating wind structures

German energy group RWE AG (ETR:RWE) and Tata Steel UK have agreed to cooperate on floating wind structures for the Celtic Sea, the UK business of the Indian steelmaker said today.

Wales’ largest electricity generator and the UK’s largest steelmaker will work together to study the potential production and supply of steel components for floating wind foundations and structures from Tata Steel’s South Wales facilities. Tata Steel owns the large Port Talbot steelworks in South Wales.

The partnership comes as RWE is looking at a pipeline of gigawatt-scale floating wind projects as part of the Crown Estate’s upcoming leasing round in the Celtic Sea.

Tom Glover, UK country chair at RWE, said that the agreement with Tata Steel demonstrates the company’s commitment to using local supply chains and expertise.

"Not only will floating wind deployment in the Celtic Sea provide a renewable and sustainable energy source, but it will also generate widespread opportunities for economic growth in Wales, protecting and creating new jobs and supply chain opportunities," Glover commented.

Anil Jhanji, chief commercial officer at Tata Steel UK, noted that through innovations the company aims to produce net-zero steel by 2050 at the latest. “We are also proud to have a product portfolio that will support the UK in securing domestic renewable energy through sectors such as floating offshore wind,” the executive added.

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