North East Mayor Kim McGuinness today hailed a major expansion of offshore wind off the region’s coastline – unlocking billions of pounds of investment and underpinning her plan to create 25,000 new green energy jobs over the next decade.
Working in partnership with region, The Crown Estate is today set to announce plans to lease new seabed sites off the North East coast through its next offshore wind leasing round, which it intends to officially launch next year. This leasing round could open up around six gigawatts or more of offshore wind capacity.
The decision will place the North East at the heart of the UK’s next phase of offshore wind growth, with the region’s deepwater ports at Blyth, Sunderland and on the Tyne in prime position to support new wind farms - from manufacturing and assembly through to installation and long-term maintenance.
The new offshore wind sites will drive multi-billion-pound private investment by global energy firms and create thousands of skilled jobs across ports, supply chains, construction, engineering and operations, with opportunities for people right across the region.
The announcement is expected to be made by Energy Minister Michael Shanks during a visit to the Port of Blyth’s Energy Central Learning Hub for the launch of Mayor Kim’s Plan for Green Jobs, which sets out how the North East will turn major clean energy opportunities into secure, well-paid work for local people through investment in infrastructure, skills and training.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “This is about making sure people here benefit first. From young people starting out, to adults retraining for a new career, securing these offshore wind sites means thousands of good jobs on people’s doorsteps.
“The Crown Estate’s plans will open up six gigawatts or more of offshore wind capacity – that’s around 462 wind turbines based on current technology and enough clean energy to power almost a quarter of homes in England and Wales.
“We’ve worked hard to make the case for the North East and this is proof that others are now seeing the potential our region has. This is how we make green energy the new coal mining and shipbuilding for our region: creating jobs that last, helping families to thrive, and putting the North East at the forefront of the UK’s green energy revolution.”
The Mayor’s Plan for Green Jobs commits more than £130 million of public investment to unlock billions in private funding and support the creation of 25,000 green jobs over the next decade, spanning offshore wind, low carbon construction, advanced manufacturing, agritech and emerging green technologies.
Alongside job creation, the expansion of offshore wind will strengthen the region’s energy security by generating more clean power at home and reducing reliance on expensive imported gas - helping to protect families and businesses from volatile energy prices.
Mayor Karen Clark, North East Combined Authority Portfolio Lead for the Home of the Green Energy Revolution, said: “This shows what happens when we match national ambition with strong regional leadership. Securing offshore wind development off our coastline means investment, skills and supply‑chain opportunities for the North East.
“By backing this with investment in ports, training and local businesses, we’re turning clean energy into lasting economic growth – making the North East the home of the green energy revolution and ensuring local people and communities share in the benefits.”
Martin Lawlor OBE, Chief Executive of the Port of Blyth and Chair of Energy Central Campus., said: “The North East’s ports will play a vital role in the UK’s offshore wind expansion, and Port of Blyth is proud to be at the forefront of that as a leading hub for the sector. Alongside this, through Energy Central Campus we have a mission to develop the clean energy workforce of the future to ensure local people benefit from the jobs this growth will create. By combining our ports, industry and skills, the North East is well placed to lead the UK’s offshore wind future.”