Certex invests in renewable energy

Lifting services company Certex UK is launching a new centre dedicated to the renewable energy market.

Based within the OrbisEnergy Centre in Lowestoft, UK, the Certex Renewable Energy Centre offers product supply, repair and maintenance, inspection and testing, certification management and training services.

It will operate as part of the Certex offshore division which also has bases in Great Yarmouth and Aberdeen.

The centre has been set up in response to an increasing global demand for offshore energy which includes a UK target of 15 % of energy from renewable sources by 2020, says Certex.

This target is equivalent to a seven-fold increase in UK renewable energy consumption from 2008 levels and will lead to those within the industry requiring more specialised equipment, and increased support with technical engineering and health and safety requirements, adds the company.

Certex has a long standing history of servicing both the offshore and renewable energy industries and its customers already include turbine manufacturers, such as Vestas Offshore and upport/installation companies, including Sea Jacks and A2Sea.

The company's services cover the initial building of wind turbines to their maintenance and servicing.

The Certex facility will be run by Jody Potter, senior verification/certification engineer.

"Over the next decade around £8billion will be invested along the east coast into the offshore renewable energy industry and this area is emerging as the international place of choice for large-scale offshore wind farms," said Charles Gillespie, Certex sales and marketing director.

Certex is set to recruit at least six additional qualified offshore engineers to support the activities of the new Renewable Energy Centre.