Vattenfall has announced that the port at Great Yarmouth operated by Peel Ports is preferred bidder for the operation and maintenance contract for its Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone off the coast of east England.
Vattenfall’s base will be at the new £21.4m O&M Campus commissioned by Norfolk County Council in a partnership project in collaboration with Great Yarmouth Borough Council and the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership.
Around 130 new jobs should be created over the 35-year lifetime of the Zone according to the Swedish developer.
The final decision for Vattenfall’s investment is contingent on the government’s policy and financial framework for offshore wind, it added.
When completed, Vattenfall’s Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone will be able to power around 4.6m homes, making it one of the largest offshore wind zones in the world.
Recruitment for the new jobs should begin in 2026 and last for around two years.
Vattenfall is already engaging with local schools, colleges and universities to encourage local awareness and to boost the skills that will be required to work in the sector.
Vattenfall said that the UK Government must now play its role in helping to support East Anglia and the region’s efforts to secure long-term, green jobs and investment by providing a policy and financial framework that delivers value for money for customers and is investable for developers.
Rob Anderson, project director of Vattenfall’s Norfolk Zone, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with Peel Ports who’ll be providing us with a home for our Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone.
“It should be a great economic boost for the area with around 130 long-term jobs helping to manage the Wind Zone, one of the world’s largest.
“All we need now is for government to play its part by providing a financial framework that gives us the certainty we need to invest so that local people can start seeing the benefits.”
Richard Goffin, port director south east cluster at Peel Ports Group, added: “It is fantastic news to be selected by Vattenfall as preferred bidder for this operation and maintenance contract.
“This decision continues to show the confidence in the role of Great Yarmouth Port as a key enabler in the green energy sector, with tremendous potential to grow.
“We will continue to work collaboratively with the market alongside our valued stakeholders and strengthen our position with further expansion planned.
“We are proud to support the growth of the sector by providing a platform for projects such as the Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone.”