ScottishPower Renewables has announced a 30 year deal with the Port of Lowestoft to act as a construction and operations hub for the 714MW East Anglia 1 offshore windfarm.
The developer held discussions with Associated British Ports and signed the agreement, worth around £25million, for the port to support O&M services as the project is built, as well as for the anticipated 30 year lifespan of the project.
Initial investment will be used to “establish the new operations facility and to carry out upgrades and modifications to the port and surrounding harbour area”. The group said around 100 people will be employed full-time at the port when East Anglia 1 is completed.
SPR managing director of offshore wind Jonathan Cole said: “Today’s announcement will help to make the East Anglia region the leading destination for investment and job creation in the UK’s offshore wind power industry.
“A new vision document published this week highlighted the huge potential of offshore wind power to contribute sustainable, cost-effective electricity for the UK, as well as helping the economy to grow. What happens in East Anglia will be fundamentally important in delivering this vision. Off the coast of Norfolk and Suffolk billions of pounds of investments are being made, and tens of thousands of job opportunities are being created.
“In Lowestoft, we will manage construction activities and operate and maintain our East Anglia 1 project for at least the next three decades. This will support highly skilled, long-term jobs, both directly and across our supply chain. Every year during the construction phase and operations phase of the project, millions of pounds will be injected in to the local economy.”
ABP director Andrew Harston said: “ABP’s Port of Lowestoft already supports around 1,200 jobs and contributes around £80 million to the economy each year. This significant investment by ScottishPower Renewables, with its potential to create long-term, skilled jobs and boost the economy, is another example of how the port can make a valuable contribution to the prosperity of the town and its hinterland.”
Image: West of Duddon Sands offshore wind farm (ScottishPower)
ScottishPower selects port for EA1
30 year deal signed with Port of Lowestoft for 714MW project
By EBS