Firms urged to plug into green energy roadshow
GREEN energy firms can discover how they can benefit from international opportunities at an event this week
UK Trade & Investment is holding a Renewable Energy Roadshow on Thursday at Haydock Park race course.
It has invited market specialists from 20 countries to visit the North West to provide expert advice on developing overseas sales in renewable energy products and services.
The roadshiow offers a great opportunity for the region’s companies to meet specialists with a clear understanding of the business opportunities in their home markets.
There will be free one-to-one meetings with specialists from Algeria, Brazil, France, Mexico, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Germany, Hungary, Portugal, US, Chile, India, Spain, China, New Zealand, Romania, Taiwan, Turkey and South Korea.
UKTI international trade adviser and energy sector specialist for the North West, Peter Gawne-Cain, said: “”The renewable energy sector is particularly vibrant in the North West, but it is still very important for companies to develop their overseas business to make the most of opportunities and to keep up with international developments and demand.
“Whether a company is already established in these markets, or merely considering them for the first time, our experts will be able to offer up to date information and advice that will add real benefit to a firm’s export sales.
“The UK has 30 – 40% of the total wind resource of Europe, and the North West has more sites generating electricity from renewable resources than any other English region. Additionally, the North West, with its shallow sea bed, has been identified as a key area for offshore wind development.
“The North West is also strong in energy production from landfill gas and waste with companies such as Clarke-Energy who supply and manage gas engines and CHP worldwide, while Gilkes Hydropower manufacture and supply small hydro systems worldwide from the Lake District.
“The region is the UK’s foremost location for the civil nuclear sector with more than 300 companies based here, employing more than 25,000 – more than 50% of the total UK civil nuclear** workforce.
“We have an increasing need for, and a growing recognition of the importance of renewables. The UK has pledged to ensure at least 15% of its energy comes from renewable sources by 2020.The previous £15bn investment may be dwarfed over the next 10 years. At least £100bn – and some estimates go higher – could be invested in the UK by 2020.
“It is vital that North West businesses make the most of these opportunities and I would encourage companies in this sector to come along on 31st May to find out more from our in-market experts.”
To register for this event visit http://www.internationalenergy-roadshow.ukti.gov.uk
