ScottishPower Renewables has confirmed Lowestoft (pictured) as the long-term home of its UK offshore wind operations with the acquisition of a new site in the town’s PowerPark.
The company is investing around £8m to acquire and develop the site to create its very own permanent base to support the delivery of its offshore wind projects in the East of England.
It is expected to have capacity for around 100 people and will primarily provide an operations and maintenance base for the 1400MW East Anglia 3 offshore wind farm, which is currently under construction.
The site is close to the company’s operations and maintenance base for the 714MW East Anglia 1 offshore wind farm (pictured), located on land owned by Associated British Ports at Lowestoft port.
It will continue to operate on its existing 30-year lease.
Charlie Jordan, chief executive of ScottishPower Renewables (SPR), said: “Our continued commitment and investment in Lowestoft highlights the town’s role as a powerhouse for the clean energy industry within the East of England region and we’re here to stay.
“We’re operating, building and developing windfarms that will power cleaner and greener lives for millions of people – and deliver huge environmental and economic benefits – for decades to come.
“This is a brilliant boost for the town and the wider East Anglia region and confirms its status as the home and heart of our offshore wind operations in the UK.”
Ross Ovens, SPR’s managing director for offshore development and operations, added: “It’s really exciting that, six years after we put a spade in the ground and built our EA ONE base in Lowestoft, we’re now increasing our footprint, presence and investment in the town.
“That doesn’t just support ScottishPower’s offshore wind projects and pipeline, it will make a long and lasting difference for local people and communities.
“We’re proud to help drive the regeneration of the town and help write the next chapter in Lowestoft’s story – creating a cleaner, greener, brighter and better future.”