Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Opens GBP 20m Offshore Wind Turbine Production Facility

TAG Energy Solutions welcomed the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change who officially opened its new £20million offshore wind turbine tubular production facility.

Chris Huhne MP took a tour of the 6,920 metre square facility before launching a roll of steel onto TAG Energy Solutions’ automated production process for the creation of large diameter cans for offshore windmill foundations.

Constructed in readiness for the Round 3 offshore wind developments and current European opportunities, the new facility in Haverton Hill on the banks of the River Tees, is the first of its kind in the UK and has the capacity to produce 100,000 Tonnes of tubulars per annum.

TAG Energy’s innovative manufacturing system rolls and welds large diameter tubulars used in the construction of offshore wind turbine jacket and monopile foundations. TAG Energy Solutions’ riverside facility also manufactures jackets, transition pieces and topside structures, which can be transported around the world from its extensive wet dock and 6,000te load out quay.

Representatives from across the energy sectors attended a special open day, which marks the beginning of a new chapter in engineering on Teesside and TAG Energy Solutions’ intention to play a key role in the offshore renewables supply chain.

The company is confident that offshore renewable energy sector will become a core part of the global energy mix and is currently developing relationships with international developers to help secure future contracts.

With extensive experience in the oil & gas sector, TAG ES refocused its capabilities into the offshore renewables industry after the company secured funding to supplement its own investment of several million pounds.

With the backing of significant private sector investment from Platina Partners and Environmental Technologies Fund (ETF), as well as grant support from the Department for Energy and Climate Change and One North East, TAG Energy Solutions has created a world-class, cutting-edge facility.

Chris Huhne MP, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, said: “The creation of this facility demonstrates TAG Energy Solutions’ foresight in planning an effective UK supply chain for offshore renewables. Offshore wind will play a key role in the delivery of a balanced energy mix that will meet future UK requirements and it is essential the sector is supported by innovative and forward-thinking companies.”

 Alex Dawson, Chief Executive of TAG Energy Solutions, said: “The Secretary of State has been very clear about the importance of offshore wind in the development of secure and clean energy resources for the UK. The North East of England has the skills and expertise to not only support this ambition in domestic waters, but also become a hub for the global wind energy sector.

“The opening of our new facility sends a clear signal to the energy sector that we have the capabilities to deliver engineering solutions for offshore renewables. This is an exciting time for the renewables supply chain and we are delighted to be at its forefront.”

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Source: tagenergysolutions , September, 30.  2011