WORKING AT HEIGHTS - Wind Energy Network

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURETata Steel cuts the costsof renewable energyFollowing a recent £2 millioninvestment to develop integrated,steel processing facilities in the NorthEast, Tata Steel is working togetherwith its customers to cut the costs ofrenewable energy.Offshore Processing Centre (OPC)The Hartlepool-based OPC manufacturestubular sections used in the fabricationof jacket foundations and includes stateof the art cutting, bevelling and profilingmachinery. Through early engagement withdesigners and engineers, Tata Steel canhelp customers to optimise the steel usagein a project and identify potential costsavings in steel foundation structure design.The semi-processed steel products arethen despatched in batch quantities, in linewith a customer’s build sequence. Thisapproach enables fabricators to fully utiliseoperational space at their own premisesand reduces stockholding and workingcapital costs.Ideal locationThe OPC is ideally located on the North Eastcoast, with good sea, rail and road links forefficient delivery to customers throughoutthe UK and Europe. The Tata Steelworkforce reflects the engineering skillset ofthe region, with the site playing its part in akey network of industries in the area.Richard Bell, Director, Energy andPower, Tata Steel, says: “As a leadingsteel maker and manufacturer, we arecommitted to building partnerships thatenhance our customers’ performance byproviding effective project management,engineering expertise and products andservices that create value. We havealready booked our first order for theOPC and we are actively involved with anumber of developers, working togetherto identify the best steel solution for theirprojects.We are confident that close co-operationthroughout the supply chain will identifyopportunities to minimise costs andincrease productivity; key to building asuccessful offshore wind industry in theUK.”TATA Steelwww.tatasteel.comClick to view more infowww.windenergynetwork.co.uk47