RWE npower, a division of the RWE Group, is a leading integrated UK energy company. The company supplies gas and electricity through its retail business npower. It operates and manages a portfolio of flexible, low-cost coal, oil and gas-fired power stations and is developing innovative energy-related technologies. It is also a significant player in renewable energy production.

npower is the UK's number two electricity supplier and number three for gas with around 6.5 million customer accounts in the UK. Its green electricity product, npower Juice, has over 20% of the UK's domestic green energy market.

Having constructed the first major offshore wind farm at North Hoyle in North Wales, RWE npower renewables has developed the leading position in the UK wind power market. It also operates nine hydroelectric stations.

Reasons for Participating
RWE are potentially one of the first customers of the inspection system developed for use on manufacturing and installation facilities and are committed to the success of the project.

Role in the project
In this project, RWE will provide R&D back up and advice to all the SME and RTD partners. This advice will include information to the consortium in order that inspection and automation conflicts are limited to a minimum. RWE will also provide samples of GRP piping that contains real defects.