The first in a series of events to help Welsh businesses make the most of growing opportunities in the renewable energy supply chain is to focus on offshore wind developments in North Wales.

Welsh Assembly Government and RWE npower renewables (RWE NRL), one of the largest inward investors in Wales, are working in partnership to bring the latest event before the Welsh business community and have already secured the interest of over 70 local firms.

Renewable energy is one of six key sectors with high growth potential identified in the Assembly Government’s Economic Renewal strategy as the focus for business support. The event, on Thursday January 27, 2011, at Venue Cymru, Llandudno, aims to provide high level advice to support and strengthen the supply chain in this fast growing sector.


It is organised and funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and renewable energy developer and operator RWE npower renewables – the company behind the €2billion Gwynt y Môr(1) wind farm eight miles off the North Wales coast.

Developer Centrica, which has the development rights to the Irish Sea Zone, 15 miles off the Anglesey coast, is also supporting the event and will be in attendance on the day.

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, said a phenomenal amount of investment is planned to develop renewable energy in Wales, offering considerable potential opportunities for Welsh businesses.

He saidd: "We need to ensure that Welsh businesses are in a position to take advantage of these opportunities, that they have a clear understanding of how to identify supply chain opportunities and what is required of them.

"There are significant business opportunities for companies in Wales to supply local developments as well as global developments and the Assembly Government is committed to support and strengthen supply chains within this sector.

"I am delighted that RWE npower renewables is taking such a proactive approach and working in partnership with us on this event to support potential suppliers."

(CD)