Offshore wind investment to create more than 1,000 Humber jobs

More than 1,000 jobs are set to be created across the Humber region as the government commits £266m to offshore wind manufacturing in the area.

The £266m of funding, which comes from the UK government and private sector investment, will be granted to offshore wind manufacturers Siemens Gamesa and GRI Renewable Industries.

This comes as part of the Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Support scheme, which aims to develop manufacturing facilities.

Siemens Gamesa will invest a total of £186m into the expansion of its blade manufacturing site near Hull, which will create and safeguard around 1,080 jobs.

GRI Renewable Industries will invest £78m into a new offshore wind turbine tower factory, which it says will create up to 260 direct jobs.

Boris Johnson commented: “The Humber region embodies the UK’s green industrial revolution, with new investment into developing the next generation of wind turbines set to create new jobs, export opportunities and clean power across the country.

“With less than a hundred days to go until the climate summit COP26, we need to see more countries embracing new technologies, building green industries and phasing out coal power for a sustainable future.”

Kwasi Kwarteng, business and energy secretary, said: “With its close proximity to some of the world’s largest offshore wind farms and strong skills base, the Humber region is vitally important for the growth of the British offshore wind industry and is at the heart of our green recovery.

“Our announcement backed by private investment will give a boost to this important industrial heartland, creating and supporting thousands of good quality jobs across the region while ensuring it is on the frontline of developing the next generation of offshore wind turbines.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →