Wind power is big business in the UK. With improvements in technology, huge new contracts being won and the cost of building and subsidies falling at a rapid rate, offshore wind generation is booming. The UK generates more electricity from offshore wind than any other country and, with such favourable conditions for offshore energy production, the scene has been set for a comeback for the much-maligned onshore turbines. If you’re looking for a new job in the energy industry, then wind is a great sector to look into – here’s our turbine 101 to help you find the perfect company for your next move. 

The Basics of Wind Power Production

The Crown Estate manages the UK’s seabed and holds the rights to the resources to develop renewable energy. Energy companies such as EDF or ScottishPower bid to develop the land into wind farms. The winning energy company will then employ many different companies to build the turbines, supply and install power lines and cables, build substations and many other things! Siemens is the largest supplier of wind turbines in Europe, with many manufacture and assembly locations including Hull, which employs 1,000 people.

Under Construction in the UK

Dong Energy

Soon to be known as Ørsted, the Danish company employs more than 6,000 people including over 900 in the UK. Winning government contracts in September for Hornsea Project Two* (and already in talks for Project Three) the ambitious company has a couple of sites under construction currently and looks set to be building in the UK for at least the next 5 years. Dong Energy have offices in London and onshore substations along the coasts of North Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Lancashire and Essex.  The current construction at Walney Wind Farm is using turbines manufactured by MHI Vestas on the Isle of Wight and Siemens in Great Yarmouth. 

Innogy

Innogy have locations all over Europe, but their focus is on the UK, German, Belgian and Dutch markets. Innogy have offices in the West Midlands, Yorkshire, Wiltshire and Gloucester. Their current locations for UK offshore farms are mostly off the Welsh coast, but the Triton Knoll is off the Lincolnshire and Norfolk coast and they also have solar and onshore interests across the country. 

Triton Knoll – the new windfarm that was granted contracts in September along with Hornsea Project Two – is also being built with MHI Vestas’ turbines. Early works and monopile foundations are being built by the Dutch company Sif and Belgian Smulders, while design and engineering is being carried out by UK based Atkins Ltd. Atkins is the second largest engineering consultancy in Europe, with more than 40 offices in the UK and many more around the world. 

We partner with companies involved in all aspects of the energy industry. If you have any questions about any of our recruitment services, give our office a call on +44 (0) 1502 564892, or email us at headoffice@peoplewithenergy.co.uk.

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