Delivering the Vision for the Offshore Energy Alliance Region
Showcasing renewable energy progress, skills development and supply chain opportunities in north Wales and the north west of England
Yesterday (January 29th), the Offshore Energy Alliance (OEA), together with key regional stakeholders, gathered at Coleg Llandrillo’s Engineering Centre in Rhyl to set out a shared vision for growth across the offshore energy sector in north Wales and the north west of England.
Helen K Thomas, Chair of the OEA and Team Lead for Supply Chain Development, UK & Ireland at RWE, said:
“This event highlights the significant opportunity for local businesses, innovators and skills partners to align with upcoming offshore energy projects and contribute to the UK’s transition to net zero. We were delighted to host another successful supply chain event, particularly following the recent announcement that Awel y Môr has secured a Contract for Difference. We will continue to ensure that local communities, suppliers and stakeholders remain fully informed as the project develops, with the Offshore Energy Alliance playing a key role in that process”
The event brought together supply chain businesses and innovators interested in offshore wind and tidal energy, with delegates hearing directly from developers about upcoming regional projects and routes to engagement.
A key focus was a series of projects delivered by M-SParc on behalf of the OEA with funding from the Welsh Government, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and JERA Nex bp. These include a regional showcase video and digital prospectus highlighting the area’s role as an established host community for low carbon offshore energy, home to some of the UK’s earliest offshore wind farms and Wales’ first offshore wind project in over a decade.
Paul Flanagan, Principal of Coleg Llandrillo, said:
“This event demonstrates the strength of collaboration across north Wales and the north west of England in turning offshore energy ambition into a real opportunity. As a further education provider rooted in our communities, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai has a critical role to play in developing the skilled workforce, applied innovation and progression pathways that the offshore wind and tidal sectors will require over the coming years.
He added,
“Hosting partners and industry leaders such as RWE who host their wind turbine apprenticeship training programme here at Coleg Llandrillo Rhyl Engineering Centre, underlines our commitment to supporting regional supply chains and ensuring local people are equipped to benefit directly from the transition to a low-carbon economy.”
Delegates were also invited to take part in a guided tour of Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s state-of-the-art Engineering Centre, designed to upskill both current and future workforces for the renewable energy sector. The multi-million-pound facility features advanced training equipment and specialist workshops, including a dedicated wind turbine maintenance hall supporting the college and national apprenticeship programme that is delivered in partnership with RWE.
To register for upcoming events and stay informed about Offshore Energy Alliance activity, visit: https://offshoreenergyalliance.co.uk/supply-chain/registration-portal/
