Catching the trade winds

Rapid growth in offshore wind power could boost the North East of England's manufacturing sector and help establish the region as a skills hub for renewable energy, the government has claimed.

Ministers hope the increasing number of offshore wind devices springing up around the UK's coast will encourage the parallel development of a domestic manufacturing sector and a skilled workforce to support it.

Up to 3,000 offshore turbines will be needed to meet the UK's renewable targets, and the government wants as many as possible made here rather than imported.

Energy minister Malcolm Wicks claimed up to 30,000 production jobs could be created in the North East and a potential £3bn of inward investment is up for grabs if the area successfully establishes itself as a wind energy hub, using existing assets such as the riverside assembly facilities that are the legacy of its heritage in shipbuilding.

As well as serving domestic demand for wind turbines, the sector offers significant export potential. The burgeoning global demand for turbines is leading to a backlog as the manufacturing infrastructure struggles to keep up with orders.