SIX local companies keen to pursue renewable energy opportunities are attending the prestigious European Wind Energy Conference and exhibition from March 16-19 in Marseilles, on a joint stand hosted by the Great Yarmouth Marketing Initiative, and strongly supported by Waveney District Council who will manage the stand.

SIX local companies keen to pursue renewable energy opportunities are attending the prestigious European Wind Energy Conference and exhibition from March 16-19 in Marseilles, on a joint stand hosted by the Great Yarmouth Marketing Initiative, and strongly supported by Waveney District Council who will manage the stand.

Leading the promotion will be Eastport UK, who will of course be keen to ensure that potential European developers and construction companies are fully aware of the imminent availability of the expanded harbour facilities, designed to be capable of accommodating the large floating crane and platform structures used to construct offshore wind farms.

Major port users Gardline Marine Services, Clarkson Port Services and Goodchild Marine, providers of a wide range of survey, environmental, quayside and engineering marine services across all local port facilities will fully complement this presence.

The existing high level of experience and expertise in wind energy installations vested in the Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft area will be complemented by Orbis Energy, a centre of excellence able to provide wind farm developers with all the essential support and contacts they need to ensure the success of their projects.

Two very hi-tech local companies looking to widen their area of operations and benefit from the wind energy industry will be making their first visit to this exhibition.

C-Mac Microtechnology, whose main strength lies in the custom design and production of the very highest specification electronic components for the European defence industry, have recognised that their expertise may effectively cross-over to wind turbine technology.

Pagerpower, based in rural Suffolk provide a wide range of communication services to the aviation industry, in recognition of the fact that when the massive offshore construction vessels leave port they rely on helicopter and supply boat services for logistical support; movements which need to be managed to ensure the safety of all concerned.

Great Yarmouth Marketing Initiative Chairman Cllr Graham Plant SAID: “I am delighted that such a diverse range of local companies and organisations are clearly demonstrating their commitment to wind energy as a way forward, both for environmental benefits and the prosperity of the local economy.

“I know that we can rely on these people to effectively represent our position here in the east of England, building on our long held expertise in the oil and gas industry, and transferring some of these skills to renewable energy technology and facilities across the European dimension.”