The developer of one of Norfolk's largest wind farms has called on businesses to get in early and register their interest in forming part of the project's multi-million pound supply chain.
Swedish energy company Vattenfall is at the early stages of developing the 1.8 gigawatt Norfolk Vanguard offshore wind farm on which, if it is given consent, construction and operation will start in the 2020s.
But bosses at the company are now appealing to firms in Norfolk and Suffolk to register their interest in working with Vattenfall,.
Ruari Lean, Vattenfall's senior project development manager for the Norfolk Vanguard scheme, said: 'Our experience building wind farms in the UK tells us that if we want to maximise local business opportunities it's important to start engagement early.
'Companies can benefit from early awareness of the opportunities, especially by understanding how and when to get involved in the procurement of a wide range of services.'
The energy firm, which is a member of the East of England Energy Group, has also joined the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber said it is keen to help the region secure business from projects like Norfolk Vanguard.
Chief executive Caroline Williams said: 'Renewable energy is becoming increasingly important to the UK and it is great that Norfolk is going to be at the forefront of this new technological solution.
'We will be working closely with Vattenfall to ensure that local businesses take advantage of the supply chain opportunities this project will bring to the local economy.
'We will also be working together to ensure that Norfolk's young people understand the long term career opportunities this project will bring.'
In March this year, Vattenfall launched the Norfolk Vanguard project after agreeing a lease with The Crown Estate, the manager of the seabed. A second development area, Norfolk Boreas, was also agreed with The Crown Estate. Norfolk Boreas, with a target capacity of 1.8 gigawatts, is currently at the very earliest stages of development.
Combined, the two projects will have an operating capacity of 3.6GW, with the potential to provide power to the equivalent of 2.6m homes.
Businesses in East Anglia are invited to register their interest in Norfolk Vanguard at norfolkvanguard.vattenfall.co.uk/contactus
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here