RWE, the leading energy generator in Wales, has launched a Supplier Transparency & Engagement Programme website for businesses interested in supplying the 1100MW Awel y Môr offshore wind farm. The new site is part of a wider initiative that aims to help potential suppliers prepare for procurement and connect with supply chain managers.
Awel y Môr is poised to be Wales' largest renewable energy investment in the coming decade, with RWE leading the project in partnership with Stadtwerke München (30%) and Siemens Financial Services (10%). The development team held the first Supplier Engagement Day in April, attracting over 100 businesses from across North Wales and beyond.
“The conversations the project team have had and will continue to have in the coming months will prove invaluable as we look to ensure north Wales and beyond reaps the benefits of this growing industry,” said Tamsyn Rowe, project lead for Awel y Môr. “This supplier programme is set up to enable ongoing engagement across the length and breadth of the supply chain, from the top tier of companies to the smaller, more specialist businesses, as well as increasing RWE's awareness of supplier capabilities and connecting companies with key project staff to provide guidance.”
Rowe urged businesses to register via the website if they are considering investing in their capabilities for offshore wind. She noted that RWE's track record of investing in renewables in Wales is “second to none,” citing Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm, which invested £90m in Welsh businesses and created 700 jobs during construction. Gwynt y Môr also created 100 longer-term skilled positions largely filled by people from North Wales, with many now working on operations and maintenance from the Port of Mostyn.
As the largest renewables generator in Wales, with 300 staff across sites in Pembroke, Mostyn, Dolgarrog, and Baglan, RWE is committed to maximizing the benefit to the local economy. The Supplier Transparency & Engagement Programme is one way it is working towards that goal.
“I encourage any business considering investing in their capabilities for offshore wind to register via our website,” Rowe added.