UK TO BUILD SUPER HUBS FOR OFFSHORE WIND

UK offshore wind super hubs: The race is on
Andrew Williams, 9 September 2010 (Wind Energy Update)

"…[To be ready for the UK and European offshore wind build-outs, several key ports and harbours will need to be upgraded, each requiring quayside manufacturing facilities, adequate space for quayside turbine assembly, transport links and appropriate technology.

"Although it depends on the scope and volume of throughput for each ‘super-hub,’ the biggest ports could easily be involved in full manufacture and offshore construction, could be several hundred acres in size and use over 1km of deep water quay. However, doubts still remain as to whether these super-hubs can be developed in time…"

From hub to super hub (click to enlarge)

"In response to these concerns, the United Kingdom (UK) government earlier this year pledged to set aside £60 million…[for] the development of UK waterside manufacturing facilities that are capable of accommodating the manufacture of wind turbines and foundations, as well as encouraging adjacent supply chain development…[T]he most appropriate mechanism for supporting the development process is still under consideration. As a result, no sites have yet been identified…[I]t is likely that east coast ports…will be strong contenders, as well as Mersey on the west coast…

"The scale of investment required to develop these so-called super ports is a subject of hot debate. Some within the industry believe around £60 million (£72mn; US$92mn), which is the amount already set aside within the government scheme, might be just enough to assist ports in making the necessary improvements…[O]thers warn against the threat of spreading the funds too thinly in an effort to cater for the requirements of a maximum number of sites…[and] point out that the money currently set aside under the government scheme is likely to fall short of the total needed to ensure the development of a UK port infrastructure that is fully equipped to deal with the future demands of the offshore wind industry…"

There is plenty of building to do. (click to enlarge)

"…[I]t is quite likely that the planned government funding, which will provide a useful early boost, will need to be supplemented from other sources…[and] the bulk of the financing [may] need to come from elsewhere. Private sector port operators and manufacturers have already begun investing in some ports - a trend that looks set to continue…

"…[Many say] the plans are very realistic, provided that government commitment to offshore wind development is maintained in the long-term…[If pursued, they would prevent] valuable manufacturing jobs and investment opportunities [from being] lost to overseas competition…[and represent] the UK’s best chance of establishing a strong domestic offshore wind manufacturing industry…"