| A major Chinese generator manufacturer
is in Northern Ireland to explore investment opportunities which
could create over 600 jobs in the renewable energy sector.
XEMC
(Xiangtan Electrical Manufacturing Corporation), whose visit
to the province is its first to the UK, said it was considering
locating its European wind turbine assembly plant and blade
factory in Northern Ireland.
An investment of over £95m and the creation of over 600 highly
skilled jobs are envisaged if Northern Ireland is chosen as
the location for the two plants.
XEMC, which employs 11,000 people, is the leading supplier
of multi-megawatt direct drive turbine technology in the Chinese
market.
During a 2-day visit hosted by Belfast company Titan Energy
Associates, XEMC's European and North American marketing and
distribution partners, XEMC will hold briefings at Stormont
and meetings with Invest NI, Harland & Wolff, Queen's
University and Belfast Harbour Commissioners
Fengtai Cheng, managing director of XEMC Darwind BV, said
- "We are committed to giving serious consideration to bringing
our European operations to Northern Ireland. We are undertaking
two feasibility studies in the next three months with the
assistance of our local partners, Titan Energy Associates
(TEA). These comprehensive studies will explore a number of
key factors - ranging from specialised labour skills and logistical
infrastructure to strategic alliances. In general - and of
greater importance - we want to gauge the enthusiasm of the
local community to support us."
Dr Peter McCormick, chief executive of Titan Energy Associates,
said the firm was "absolutely delighted" at XEMC's interest.
XEMC's feasibility studies are to finish by the end of November.
If Northern Ireland is chosen, a 7-month construction programme
would begin early next year.
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