Three wind farms in our region have been awarded a contract during the Government’s UK renewables auction.
East Anglia TWO and East Anglia THREE being built and operated by ScottishPower Renewables, will deliver enough energy collectively to power more than one million homes when they are built off the Suffolk coast.
Ørsted’s Hornsea 3, the world’s largest offshore wind farm, located 120km off the Norfolk coast has also been awarded a contract.
The wind farm will have up to 231 offshore turbines and generate 2.9 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy, enough to power more than 3.3m homes.
Nine offshore wind farms have received government backing in a bid to make the UK a ‘clean energy superpower’.
In total, 131 contracts have been awarded across the UK, including onshore wind, solar and tidal energy projects.
This will generate 9.6GWs of renewable energy to power 11m UK homes.
Jennifer Cushion, Managing Director of Fern Communications, an OEG Renewables company said: “The news is a great boost for the industry especially after the disappointment of last year’s AR5 results. Securing a pipeline of work with these new wind farms is not just a win for the industry, but it also ensures a stable future for our employees, including many apprentices who are the backbone of our workforce. This continued collaboration will allow us to further contribute to the growth of the renewable energy sector, while fostering local talent and skills.”
Tom Beales, Director at Armultra Limited, said: “AR6 is great news for the whole country, but in the east, it gives us a great opportunity to grow and expand the first-class renewable industry we already have. This will mean more opportunities and more jobs for all.”
Katie-Jane Willis, Tender Associate at North Star added: “The successful award of CfDs to major projects such as Ørsted’s Hornsea 3 and ScottishPower Renewables East Anglia wind farms is testament to the UK’s commitment to achieving its ambitious offshore wind targets. This outcome is not only positive for the industry, but also a boost for the supply chain and investment across the east of England.
“North Star is particularly pleased to see the increased government support, which has put confidence in the sector following last year’s challenges. The momentum gained from AR6 will set a strong foundation for future rounds, and we are excited about the continued growth and innovation within the industry.”
Kieron Ford, Managing Director of Stowen said the announcement underlines the commitment to accelerating the energy transition, which aligns perfectly with the mission of his business.
“As a company deeply involved in offshore wind and renewable infrastructure, we see this as a significant opportunity to expand our operations and contribute to a more sustainable future, bringing long-term jobs with progressive career opportunities.”
Our chair Kevin Keable said: “The news signifies a major step change in the Government’s attitude towards clean energy and gives us renewed confidence about the importance of our region to the UK’s energy industry and future investment into a pipeline of projects in offshore wind, solar and other renewable energy technologies.
“Last year’s offshore wind auction left our community in the east feeling uncertain about the future, so the success of this sixth allocation round signifying renewed investor faith will give our developers and supply chain companies the hope and belief they have been seeking and the certainty to plan for the future.”
“As a whole, the results represent private sector investment of at least £20bn in the UK economy, which means jobs, skills, and growth. We will see this in the east of England from winners in our region, including offshore wind farms – East Anglia THREE and East Anglia TWO, being built by ScottishPower Renewables to join its operating East Anglia ONE, and Ørsted’s Hornsea 3.
“A diverse mix of energy technologies is needed to keep the UK powered and reach the 2030 clean energy target, so the record breaking success for solar is important, which includes EDF Renewables UK & Ireland (UK)’s Bramford Green solar farm in Suffolk, which will power the equivalent of 14,500 homes with 49.9MW.”
“A diverse mix of energy technologies is needed to keep the UK powered and reach the 2030 clean energy target, so today’s record breaking success for solar is important, which includes EDF Renewables UK & Ireland (UK)’s Bramford Green solar farm in Suffolk, which will power the equivalent of 14,500 homes with 49.9MW.”
