M-SParc to manage offshore energy supply chain cluster in North Wales

Wales’ first science park for innovation Menai Science Park (M-SParc) has been chosen as the accountable body for the Offshore Energy Alliance – a supply chain cluster established to take advantage of the opportunities offered by offshore energy in North Wales.

Officially opened in 2018 as Wales’ first science park, M-SParc is the home of innovation and research activities in North Wales.

The innovation hub has now been selected to act as an accountable body by the Welsh Government for the Offshore Energy Alliance (OEA) scheme, which supported the M-SParc financially.

The OEA pulls together the activities of offshore wind and other low-carbon energy projects along the North Wales coast, all for the benefit of the local supply chain.

The North Wales coast is a prime location to take advantage of growing demand for low-carbon energy production and the OEA will ensure that local businesses can make the most of these opportunities, according to the government.

It will also help build on existing capabilities to further develop local SMEs, skills and innovation institutions across the region.

Following the recent visit to M-SParc, the minister for North Wales Lesley Griffiths said: “There is a strong skills base and the OEA will work to maintain and strengthen this, while ensuring that the coastal communities can maximize the benefits of future developments.

“It’s great to see the OEA now up and running at M-SParc. I was also pleased to see bp now have a presence here too as part of the bp and EnBW joint venture looking to bring forward offshore wind projects off the coast of North Wales.

“As we deal with the climate emergency, we know we have to focus on low-carbon energy generation, and the OEA will help ensure we have the skills and supply chain in place to deliver.”

Debbie Jones, low-carbon innovation manager at M-SParc, added: “We are excited to be supporting the OEA here at M-SParc. We can see the great benefits this will bring to the region in terms of innovation, skills and supply chain opportunities as well as helping us towards Wales’ important net-zero ambitions.”

Launched in 2019 and linked to the Offshore Wind Sector Deal, the OEA represents the North Wales and North West region’s offshore supply chain cluster established to promote further collaboration between key players in the local offshore sector.