In pole position for offshore wind
New research conducted by offshore wind market intelligence specialists, 4C Offshore, has concluded that the East of England Energy Zone (EEEZ) continues to be the UK’s largest offshore wind cluster and will remain in pole position as the sector ramps up to meet the UK government’s refreshed target of 40Gw of offshore wind by 2030.
In 2020, offshore wind in the East of England totalled 47% of the UKs entire offshore wind fleet, amounting to over 1000 operational turbines generating 4.6Gw of clean energy. And these statistics are set to continue on an upward trajectory with the East of England’s potential to reach a staggering 15.8Gw of installed power by 2030.
Recent announcements including the UK government’s granting of planning permission for Vattenfall’s 158 turbine, 1.8Gw Norfolk Vanguard project and Scottish Power Renewables’ plans for the 3.1Gw East Anglia Hub are reinforcing this ambitious growth plan and helping to ensure the East of England is a world leader in offshore renewable energy and clean growth.
Ian Pease, business development manager for the EEEZ and clean energy business hub, OrbisEnergy in Lowestoft said, “This is fantastic news for the East of England and its offshore wind supply chain who have put their confidence in the region, investing in facilities and creating new employment opportunities for the people of Norfolk & Suffolk.”
He added, “the updated research highlights that the East of England has the ideal wind resource, water depths and seabed conditions for offshore wind, coupled with a proactive offshore energy sector including ports that are focussed on offshore wind construction, operations and maintenance, what’s more, we have space and incentives to grow to continue this momentum.”
Simon Gray, chief executive officer at the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) commented, “This work builds on an earlier report commissioned by EEEGR in 2018 to support the case for an Offshore Wind sector deal and it’s exciting to see the refreshed figures confirming that the East of England is a global leader in offshore wind now and into the future.” He concluded, “Offshore wind in the East of England will continue to provide significant opportunities for EEEGR member companies and the region and we look forward to facilitating the conversion of this enormous opportunity into contracts by bringing together our supply chain with existing and new developers working in the region.”
The EEEZ and EEEGR will be showcasing the opportunities and capabilities present in the East of England at the Global Offshore Wind V-Fest in July. The virtual exhibition and conference organised by Renewable UK is recognised as a key meeting place for offshore wind energy decision makers.
Crew transfer vessels in the Port of Lowestoft ©Turner Photography