The developer behind Norfolk’s largest green energy projects hopes a deal with a local port would trigger major investment from the offshore wind power supply chain, potentially creating thousands of new jobs in the region.
Vattenfall, developing Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas offshore wind farms, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Peel Ports Great Yarmouth in 2017 to explore locating the Swedish energy group’s operations base at the East Anglian facility.
As both approach a final commercial agreement that will cement a 25-year minimum residence in the port, both say today that an investment by Vattenfall to locate there could trigger major investment by the supply chain in Norfolk.
Ruari Lean, Vattenfall’s Project Manager for Norfolk Vanguard offshore wind farm, said:
“We are making substantial progress with Peel Ports on an agreement to locate our operations base at the Great Yarmouth facility. If we build both wind farms, we expect to employ up to 150 skilled, local technicians to maintain our projects for a minimum of 25-years. But what we think is really exciting is that we know that a potential multi-billion-pound investment in our wind farms would encourage the supply chain to cluster around us and other operators off East Anglia.
“So, we want to work with other economic interests like EEEGR and Norfolk Chamber of Commerce to capture that benefit for the area and establish Norfolk as a world leading hub for offshore wind power.”
He added: “And it’s not only coastal communities that will benefit. We are also proposing significant investment in onshore infrastructure. The construction works alone would lead to securing 300-400 jobs in the region.”
Commenting on the negotiations, Neil Orford, President of Great Yarmouth Chamber Council said:
“Norfolk Chamber has been working closely with Vattenfall to ensure that the local supply chain opportunities are clearly visible to the local business community. A deal between Vattenfall and Peel Ports would signify their commitment and belief in Great Yarmouth as a key offshore energy hub.”
Richard Goffin, Port Director Peel Ports Great Yarmouth, said:
“Vattenfall’s intent to locate their operations base at Great Yarmouth is testament to the Port’s influential position in the wider offshore energy arena, which is complemented by a supportive County and Borough Council. This agreement will leverage Great Yarmouth’s position as the East of England’s most successful offshore energy hub and attract further investment in the existing world-class supply chain, bringing a host of employment and economic growth opportunities to the region.”
Both Vattenfall and Peel Ports expect to finalise their agreement by summer 2018
