North East set for offshore wind job boost

A major expansion of offshore wind off the North East coast is set to unlock billions in investment and help put the “North East at the forefront of the UK’s green energy revolution”.

In an announcement at the Energy Central Learning Hub at the Port of Blyth, The Crown Estate outlined plans to lease new seabed sites as part of its next offshore wind round, expected to launch next year and deliver around six gigawatts of new capacity, largely off the North East coast. 

Market engagement is now underway ahead of the proposed Leasing Round 6, which will focus on sites in water depths suitable for fixed-bottom offshore wind.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness has welcomed the move, which she said will play a key role in her ambition to create 25,000 green jobs across the region over the next decade.

She said: “This is about making sure people here benefit first. 

“From young people starting out, to adults retraining for a new career, securing these offshore wind sites means thousands of good jobs on people’s doorsteps. 

“The Crown Estate’s plans will open up six gigawatts or more of offshore wind capacity – that’s around 462 wind turbines based on current technology and enough clean energy to power almost a quarter of homes in England and Wales.  

“We’ve worked hard to make the case for the North East and this is proof that others are now seeing the potential our region has. 

“This is how we make green energy the new coal mining and shipbuilding for our region: creating jobs that last, helping families to thrive, and putting the North East at the forefront of the UK’s green energy revolution.”  

The development positions the North East at the centre of the UK’s next phase of offshore wind growth, with the region’s deepwater ports at Blyth, Sunderland and on the Tyne expected to support manufacturing, assembly, installation and long-term maintenance.

It is also set to attract significant private investment from global energy firms, supporting jobs across construction, engineering, supply chains and operations.

Industry body Energi Coast has also welcomed the announcement, highlighting the region’s strong infrastructure, skilled workforce and established supply chain as key advantages.

Tony Quinn, chair of Energi Coast, added: “This is a significant moment for both the UK and the North East, placing the region at the heart of delivering energy security whilst simultaneously delivering economic growth.

“What sets this announcement apart is the institutional alignment that sits behind it, combined with its deliverability.

“The alignment exists at both national and regional levels, from The Crown Estate and NESO (National Energy System Operator) to our Combined Authorities and the Energi Coast cluster, from research and innovation organisations, UK Research and Innovation, Catapults, Universities, through to education and training providers including schools, colleges and universities.

“The deliverability is borne out of incremental innovation, our engineering expertise and our ability to scale our key businesses to the requisite capacity. 

“We’ve already demonstrated our capability on projects like Dogger Bank and Sofia and are ready to increase our regional share of this new capacity announced today.”

Tom Nightingale, deputy chair of Energi Coast and Equinor local supply chain manager, added: “Today’s announcement has the potential to unlock the next phase for North East England’s offshore wind future. 

“The region has grown both expertise and innovation, and further collaboration will grow the industry further for generations to come.”

The move has also been welcomed by the business community, with John McCabe, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, adding: “This is a significant moment for the North East and a clear signal of the role our region can play in the UK’s clean energy future.

“The combination of the mayor’s Plan for Green Jobs and the Crown Estate’s latest offshore wind leasing announcement provides the long-term certainty businesses need to invest, grow and create jobs. 

“It strengthens the North East’s position as a national leader in offshore wind, advanced manufacturing and clean energy innovation.

“For businesses, the opportunity is clear. 

“Offshore wind is not just about energy generation at sea, but about the strength of our ports, supply chains and skilled workforce onshore. 

“From engineering and construction to operations and maintenance, this has the potential to support high-quality, long-term employment across the region.

“Ensuring that local businesses can access these opportunities, that supply chains are ready to scale, and that people across our communities have the skills to take up these roles will be critical.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.