Windfarms ‘could generate £1bn’

Northern Irish ports could benefit from offshore windfarming after more than 100 operators, developers, investors and manufacturers met with UK government officials recently to discuss the issue.


The aim of the talks was to dissolve the potential problem of wind projects bottle-necking at the planning stage.

Developers have found suitable sites difficult to come by as port operators need ample room to allow them to accept large vessels.

However, the Department for Energy and Climate Change predicted resolving the issue could open up a £1bn market for ports across the UK.

Energy Minister Mike O’Brien yesterday (March 30th) outlined the government’s intention to make the country one of the nations most associated with green.

“Britain’s ports could become the hub of activity and economic opportunity as we massively increase the amount of renewable energy we get from our seas,” he said, adding that the harbours could be instrumental in the construction and transportation of wind turbines.

It was recently suggested by Business Link that small companies take stock of their energy expenditure to help keep bills and emissions under control.

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