Cammell Laird wind turbine project could generate hundreds of jobs

Jun 15 2011 by Neil Hodgson, Birkenhead News

BIRKENHEAD shipyard Cammell Laird is close to clinching a “significant” deal with a German energy giant that would create hundreds of jobs and a major renewable energy operation.

It is believed that Laird and RWE are planning a huge assembly operation at the yard linked to plans for an offshore wind farm 12 miles off the Isle of Man.

Laird is also proposing to develop an in-river jetty to serve the Irish Sea wind farm from the River Mersey as part of the multi-million pound development.

Wind turbine components would be assembled at Birkenhead before being shipped out for installation.

The ship repair business, which is a joint venture with Mersey Ports owner Peel Holdings, has been in talks with RWE for a number of months.

A deal to confirm the renewable energy project is understood to be close.

Cammell Laird senior management outlined their proposals at a meeting of 70 invited guests organised by The Mersey Maritime group last Tuesday.

However, Cammell Laird managing director John Syvret, declined to comment on the progress of talks with RWE.

“I cannot say anything because the contract has not been signed yet. Talks are still taking place.”

A spokeswoman at RWE’s Essen offices also declined to speak about the project, saying: “We never comment on market speculation.”

RWE is Germany’s biggest power supply company, with operations in Germany and Hungary, and is also involved in oil and gas exploration.

It generates electricity using a range of fuels from coal, gas and renewable energy such as wind and hydro as well as nuclear.

The group provides 32% of Germany’s total electricity output. It operates wind power and hydro electric installations across France and Spain.

It has North Sea oilfield interests and is involved in exploration and production schemes in the UK.