Germans eye Humber deals at Hamburg wind energy expo

By Mark O'Reilly | Published October 14, 2014

EUROPEAN energy firms are eyeing opportunities to work with Humber businesses at a trade exhibition this week.

The Hamburg expo will build on a German visit to the Humber by the Wind Energy Agency, a 400-strong association of renewables companies. Representatives last week toured sites on both banks, including the future location of Siemens’ £310m Green Port Hull turbine facility.

Several relationships have already been struck up, which could lead to future cross-border deals and further talks will be held at the exhibition starting today.

Mark O’Reilly, chairman of trip organiser Team Humber Marine Alliance, said: “There are certainly going to be a few follow-up meetings for businesses that have developed an interest in working together.

“We’ve had the opinion from the beginning that we need to fit into the bigger European picture and it’s been strengthened over the past four or five years. “The messages some of the delegates on last week’s visit took back to their companies will help encourage them to come here.” The Wind Energy Hamburg expo brings together more than 1,000 exhibitors from at least 30 countries. It will feature about 50 UK companies, many from the Humber.

With Siemens already confirmed, Hull is set to be a major player in the European wind industry. On the south bank, developer Able UK is seeking to build a £450m green energy hub, which could create 4,000 jobs. Although presently bogged down in a land dispute with landowner Associated British Ports, it would make the estuary one of the biggest offshore wind sites in the world.

Mr O’Reilly said the strength of the region had convinced many delegates to build partnerships. He said: “There was a bit of a fact-finding element to last week’s visit. “Some delegates were quite surprised at the scale of potential investments.

NEW RELATIONSHIPS: Mark O'Reilly, of Team Humber Marine Alliance, centre right, welcomes Ronny Meyer, managing director of Wab, during a German delegation's visit to the area. Pic courtesy of Hull Daily Mail — NEW RELATIONSHIPS: Mark O’Reilly, of Team Humber Marine Alliance, centre right, welcomes Ronny Meyer, managing director of Wab, during a German delegation’s visit to the area.
Pic courtesy of Hull Daily Mail

“They want their member companies to be involved and take advantage of the opportunities here.”

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