June 29 - The Port of Hartlepool, UK, has hosted a ministerial visit by Charles Hendry, minister of state for the UK's Department of Energy and Climate Change, and used the opportunity to call for more clarity in the UK government's renewable energy polic

The port in north-east England is part of the PD Ports Group which is one of the major companies driving Teesside's ambition to become a centre of excellence for the UK wind energy market.

PD Ports says it is imperative that the Government has a direct, clear and positive view of the renewables sector, including Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs), funding and planning.

"There is a major reluctance to invest in this sector until the Government sets the level for ROCs which will determine what proportion of their power that UK electricity suppliers must generate from renewable sources," explains David Robinson, CEO, PD Ports Group.

"As long as the Government delays specifying the ROC level, it causes great uncertainly in the market and gives international companies no clear incentive to invest in UK facilities," he says.

On its 50ha site the port hosts JDR Cable Systems, a leading cable manufacturer for renewable energy projects andHeerema Fabrication Group, which specialises in the engineering and fabrication of large and complex structures, mainly for the offshore oil and gas and energy industry.

The visit was organised by local MP Iain Wright who is a supporter of the initiative, called Chain Reaction, to attract companies in the renewable energy sector to establish themselves in the area, bringing much-needed investment and jobs.

The September/October issue of HLPFI will contain a supplement on heavy lift ports and terminals. To shape the future of the editorial contact ian@heavyliftpfi.com

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