Delivery of the Hornsea Zone and the wider offshore wind programme presents considerable economic opportunities for the UK and in particular the Wider North East Coast. Numerous local manufacturing and service businesses have the potential to become major suppliers to the offshore wind industry, facilitating collaboration with regional academic institutes on technology development, demonstration and deployment.
According to the “Working for a Green Britain" report, commissioned by RenewableUK and EU Skills, UK wind industry employment figures showed a 91 per cent increase in the number of full-time employees in the two years 2008 and 2009, a period which saw a decrease of 3.4 per cent in the overall UK employment level.
By working in partnership with local communities, developers, utilities, contractors and suppliers, we will deliver the best renewable power plant for the UK, whilst creating numerous job opportunities.
Energy Secretary Mr Huhne: “The race for offshore wind manufacturing jobs is on, and Siemens and the Humber are first out of the traps. I'm determined the UK economy benefits from the opportunities and jobs of the offshore wind supply chain.”