The government of UK plans to invest $132 million in developing two offshore wind ports. $104 million has been allocated for the Able Marine Energy Park on the south bank of the River Humber, while the remaining $27 million is slated for the Teesworks Offshore Manufacturing Centre, located on the River Tees. Upon commissioning, the ports will support the development of offshore wind projects up to a capacity of 9GW annually. About eight million will be powered by this project.
The ports are expected to accommodate up to seven manufacturers.One of the manufacturers confirmed as an investor in Teesside port is GE Renewable Energy. GE plans to set up an offshore wind blade manufacturing factory at the site. The blade factory will supply the Dogger Bank wind farm, located off the North East coast. The factory is expected to begin construction in 2023.
This funding is part of the UK government’s investment towards creating 6,000 jobs in the North of England. It is part of a $223 million investment announced in October 2020 for upgrading port infrastructure and support manufacturing.
The United Kingdom became the world leader of offshore wind power generation in October 2008 when it overtook Denmark. The UK government is backing offshore wind energy in a big way, putting it at the centre of its 10-point plan for a ‘green industrial revolution’. It plans increase its offshore capacity to 40 GW by 2030.