East England is enjoying being named as the centre of Britain’s green energy industry after a new offshore wind cluster was launched there.
New Anglia joined forces with the East of England Energy Group to unveil the Norfolk and Suffolk Offshore Wind Cluster. It also involves other big players in the green energy sector, including ScottishPower Renewables and Vattenfall, as well as local authorities, business groups, educational institutions, and the area’s ports.
The region’s coast now accumulates nearly 4GW of offshore wind power, which accounts for 52 per cent of the country’s 7.5GW installed capacity.
Chief executive officer of England Energy Group Simon Gray stated: “This important development now means that our region is at the very epicentre of the energy production for the country.”
Chair of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership Doug Field added: “‘Norfolk and Suffolk’s wind cluster is becoming the centre of gravity for the UK’s market with more capacity than any other UK region.”
Speaking about the launch of the cluster, he said more than 6,000 well-paid skilled jobs could be formed by 2032 as a result of the site.
This comes as the government announces its Offshore Wind Sector Deal, detailing its renewable energy targets for 2030.
It states the industry will increase UK content to 60 per cent, boost exports to £2.6 billion, and invest up to £250 million in improving Britain’s supply chain over the next 11 years.
The government revealed it will establish the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership, which will “support productivity and increase competitiveness” within the sector.
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