Blue Gem Wind Opens Supply Chain to Welsh Firms for 100 MW Erebus Floating Wind Project

Welsh businesses are being asked to help build the supply chain for a floating offshore wind project in the Celtic Sea, after Erebus by Blue Gem Wind unveiled its procurement strategy at a stakeholder event in Pembrokeshire.

The strategy supports delivery of a fully consented 100-megawatt test and demonstration project located roughly 35km off the Pembrokeshire coast. The launch is presented as a chance for firms across Wales to position themselves within the growing Celtic Sea offshore wind sector.

Early Engagement With the Market

David Groves, Procurement Director at Erebus by Blue Gem Wind, said Wales has the potential to support significant new industrial and supply-chain opportunities. He said understanding the market will be an important part of developing the project's procurement approach.

"Launching our procurement strategy for Erebus by Blue Gem Wind is an opportunity for Welsh businesses to tell us what they can offer, where they see opportunities and what they need from the project to invest, grow and participate," Groves said.

"We want to engage with the supply chain early, openly and meaningfully." According to the announcement, the two-way engagement is intended to help Welsh businesses prepare for future opportunities, make informed investment decisions and identify how they can contribute to the project and to the wider floating offshore wind industry.

Sectors That Could Benefit

The project could create openings for businesses across a wide range of sectors. These include manufacturing and fabrication, port operations, vessel services, engineering, electrical infrastructure, and ongoing operations and maintenance.

The opportunities extend to companies already working in offshore energy, as well as Welsh firms with transferable skills and capabilities in engineering, construction, advanced manufacturing, technology and logistics.

Role in a Wider Celtic Sea Pipeline

With construction planned by the end of the decade, Erebus is described as a critical stepping stone in the development of a wider pipeline of floating offshore wind projects in the Celtic Sea. The announcement says its delivery has the potential to create significant opportunities for Welsh industry, helping businesses develop new capabilities, invest in skills and equipment, and establish themselves in a sector with long-term growth potential.

Employment, Output and Emissions

During construction, Erebus is expected to generate approximately 700 direct jobs and 800 indirect jobs. Once operational, the project will generate enough green electricity to power up to 93,000 homes each year. It is also expected to save approximately 150,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

Welsh Government Position

Cabinet Minister for Economy, Connectivity and Energy Adam Price said offshore wind can bring real economic benefits to Wales, driving innovation, creating new opportunities for businesses and regenerating coastal communities.

He added that it can also produce the clean energy needed to decarbonise industry and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. "That is why offshore wind will be a cornerstone of our new National Energy Strategy, and why we are working with key stakeholders to ensure the enabling infrastructure is in place to help deliver our ambitions for Wales," Price said.

Registering Interest

Businesses interested in exploring potential opportunities with Erebus by Blue Gem Wind are encouraged to register their interest and join the project's supply-chain database. Registration is available through the supply-chain opportunities page on the Blue Gem Wind website. Media enquiries are being handled by Sara Dymond, Group Communications Director at Simply Blue Energy.

Blue Gem Wind Ltd. is based at the Bridge Innovation Centre, Pembrokeshire Science and Technology Park, Pembroke Dock, Wales. Images on the company's website are courtesy of Principle Power, with artwork by Dock90.