UK wind, marine energy firms export the world over

UK wind, wave and tidal energy companies are exporting a wide range of goods and services around the world, according to a report by RenewableUK, which the trade body says shows the UK is well positioned to benefit from the USD-290-billion (EUR 268bn) global renewables market.

The report, unveiled today, covers a sample of 36 British companies, which last year signed 557 contracts to work on renewable energy projects overseas, ranging from GBP 50,000 (USD 64,000/EUR 59,000) to GBP 30 million each. In 2016, these companies exported goods and services to a total of 43 countries in Africa, Asia, North America, South America, Europe and Australasia. The top 10 most common destinations were Germany, the US, Denmark, Ireland, Australia, Canada, Sweden, France, Singapore and Taiwan.

RenewableUK noted that as the sample represents less than 10% of its membership, the actual number of export contracts will be higher.

The sample includes companies such as Gaia-Wind, which exports small onshore wind turbines; JDR Cables, which makes subsea power cables for German offshore wind farms; the wave and tidal testing centres off Cornwall and Orkney; as well as renewable energy consultancy firms.

"Our leadership in this $290bn renewables marketplace will be even more important as we leave the EU," said RenewableUK's executive director Emma Pinchbeck. "We need to act swiftly to retain this competitive advantage or other nations will capitalise on the hard work our businesses have done to build opportunities," she added, noting that the report shows the potential of the industry for the government's industrial strategy.

(USD 1.0 = EUR 0.923)

(GBP 1.0 = USD 1.280/EUR 1.182)

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