Supplier Transparency Engagement Programme (STEP)

STEP initiative
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Supplier Navigation Tool
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Our approach to offshore supplier engagement

RWE has worked successfully with offshore wind suppliers both in the UK and internationally for over two decades. However, we recognise the opportunities and challenges that a rapidly growing market brings, requiring developers and higher tier suppliers to work ever closer with the broader supplier network.

Over time, our approach to supplier engagement has become more holistic as we strive to maximise the opportunities from our projects progressing through development. To that end, we have created the Supplier Transparency and Engagement Programme (STEP), a more proactive approach to supplier engagement.

An infographic showing RWE's approach to offshore supplier engagement, detailing steps like Programme, Engagement, Transparency, and Supplier.

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STEP – improving supplier engagement

STEP is our commitment to continuously improve supplier engagement. Following a review of our existing processes, we have introduced new practices, which include increased opportunities for dialogue with our supplier network. We promise to strive to continuously ‘step up’ our efforts regarding our supplier engagement activities.

Under the STEP initiative, we have developed four initial steps aimed at improving transparency, engagement and information exchange regarding our UK projects progressing through development and construction:

    Step 1

    • Navy graphic shows a laptop with arrow on the screen pointing towards the upper right corner

    Dedicated project websites that provide up to date and relevant information for suppliers regarding project timescales and other key aspects

    Step 2

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    The rollout of new and easy to register/use Supplier Engagement Platforms with ‘open search’ functionality

    Step 3

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    Regular themed Supplier Engagement Days to raise awareness of supplier capabilities and solutions with a view to solving industry challenges

    Step 4

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    Utilise the Supplier Navigation Tool to find out which services we directly procure, understand our evolving areas of interest and where your service sits withing our supply chain

    Supplier Navigation Tool

    The Supplier Navigation Tool is designed to help suppliers better understand their position within the offshore wind supply chain, while enabling a more self-service approach to identifying opportunities with RWE that align with their skills and capabilities. It also provides clarity on which services are procured directly versus indirectly, helping suppliers better tailor, target and strengthen their engagement with RWE.

      • A streamlined process that facilitates a better understanding of the correct contracting parties to engage with (i.e. RWE or appointed Tier 1s)
      • Help suppliers feel better-informed and more in control
      • Appropriate expectation management
      • Efficiencies around targeting the correct, most beneficial parties
      • Increased understanding of appropriate next steps

      • Better management and targeting of supplier queries 
      • Enables us to continue growing our understanding of the evolving supplier network, whilst tailoring the assistance we offer 
      • Increased focus and awareness of direct suppliers and assistance with flagging and facilitating introductions between indirect suppliers and Tier 1s
      • An additional ‘step’ to improving our STEP Initiative
    An illustrated offshore wind port showing a turbine being installed by ships and cranes, a fabrication yard, operations and maintenance buildings, support shops and workers.

    Construction Phase (onshore & offshore activities)

    The construction phase of an offshore wind farm involves a series of offshore and onshore activities. The phase includes the installation of foundations, heavy lift equipment and specialised vessels, the onshore and offshore substations, export cables and inter array cables.

    Please view the following services list. If you have determined that your service is labelled as ‘direct supply’ with RWE & and is of High Interest i.e. labelled as BLUE, then we are keen to hear from you.

    If you have determined that your service is labelled as ‘indirect supply’ with RWE, then we are still keen to hear from you and understand your capabilities. Please follow this link and ensure you are signed up to our STEP platform.

    This ensures that you a kept up to date on project milestones and events and where feasible we will aim to facilitate Tier 1 introductions.

    A colorful offshore scene with yellow turbine foundations and large white turbines rising from deep blue sea, surrounded by service vessels and platforms.

    Decommissioning and Repowering

    This phase begins with an asset integrity evaluation to determine if the life of the windfarm can be extended. This can require equipment upgrades and enhanced maintenance. It includes the identification, removal and refurbishment of components for recycling, reuse or disposal. When the end-of-life date is determined the decommissioning plan commences. The scope and scale of the decommissioning plan depend on regulatory requirements and whether the site is suitable for Repowering.

    Please view the following services list. If you have determined that your service is labelled as ‘direct supply’ with RWE & and is of High Interest i.e. labelled as BLUE, then we are keen to hear from you.

    If you have determined that your service is labelled as ‘indirect supply’ with RWE, then we are still keen to hear from you and understand your capabilities. Please follow this link and ensure you are signed up to our STEP platform.

    This ensures that you a kept up to date on project milestones and events and where feasible we will aim to facilitate Tier 1 introductions.

    Ships and offshore platform structures with yellow pillars and a red crane sit on blue water beside gray concrete docks, with workers in orange vests.

    Development & Project Management

    The Development and Project Management phase includes the fundamental activities required to progress a project from early concept into the construction and operation phases. This phase defines the project’s initial design and engineering requirements, indicative turbine layouts, foundation concepts and electrical system requirements. These activities establish a clear pathway for the detailed design and construction phases.

    Please view the following services list. If you have determined that your service is labelled as ‘direct supply’ with RWE & and is of High Interest i.e. labelled as BLUE, then we are keen to hear from you.

    If you have determined that your service is labelled as ‘indirect supply’ with RWE, then we are still keen to hear from you and understand your capabilities. Please follow this link and ensure you are signed up to our STEP platform.

    This ensures that you a kept up to date on project milestones and events and where feasible we will aim to facilitate Tier 1 introductions.

    Engineers discuss renewable energy projects in a bright office with blueprints, screens showing wind turbines, maps, and technical drawings.

    Fabrication and Supply

    The fabrication and supply phase of an offshore wind farm involves the coordinated production, assembly, and delivery of major components needed for installation. This includes major components such as Wind Turbine Generators, Monopiles and Electrical Infrastructure (including arrays of subsea cables & offshore/onshore substations). Key considerations throughout this phase also include logistics, delivery sequencing and quality assurance.

    Please view the following services list. If you have determined that your service is labelled as ‘direct supply’ with RWE & and is of High Interest i.e. labelled as BLUE, then we are keen to hear from you.

    If you have determined that your service is labelled as ‘indirect supply’ with RWE, then we are still keen to hear from you and understand your capabilities. Please follow this link and ensure you are signed up to our STEP platform.

    This ensures that you a kept up to date on project milestones and events and where feasible we will aim to facilitate Tier 1 introductions.

    Layered harbor scene with concrete piers and a blue cargo warehouse labeled "PORT", yellow cranes, docked ships and two workers in orange vests.

    Operations & Maintenance

    The operations and maintenance phase involves many different services that are required over the lifespan of the project, often 25-35 years. Offshore technicians inspect and service turbine components and require service operation vessels (SOVs), crew transfer vessels (CTVs), or helicopters depending on distance and weather conditions for transport. The O&M base coordinates all marine logistics, monitors real time turbine data and is usually conducted from one port located close to the offshore windfarm.

    Please view the following services list. If you have determined that your service is labelled as ‘direct supply’ with RWE & and is of High Interest i.e. labelled as BLUE, then we are keen to hear from you.

    If you have determined that your service is labelled as ‘indirect supply’ with RWE, then we are still keen to hear from you and understand your capabilities. Please follow this link and ensure you are signed up to our STEP platform.

    This ensures that you a kept up to date on project milestones and events and where feasible we will aim to facilitate Tier 1 introductions.

    A bright harbor shows workers in orange vests on concrete piers, cranes, boats, a wind turbine, and a blue building labeled "O&M" showing "PORT".

    Support Services

    Support services are required throughout the full lifecycle of an offshore windfarm and cover a wide range of requirements. If you have a service that is not listed below, and you believe that RWE Renewables would directly procure this service then please reach out to RWE directly at [email protected].

    Please view the following services list. If you have determined that your service is labelled as ‘direct supply’ with RWE & and is of High Interest i.e. labelled as BLUE, then we are keen to hear from you.

    If you have determined that your service is labelled as ‘indirect supply’ with RWE, then we are still keen to hear from you and understand your capabilities. Please follow this link and ensure you are signed up to our STEP platform.

    This ensures that you a kept up to date on project milestones and events and where feasible we will aim to facilitate Tier 1 introductions.

    A bright waterfront street shows a teal "CAFE", blue "HARDWARE" and dark "HOTEL" storefronts with people on a concrete quay above yellow cranes and trucks.

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