Vattenfall chooses port for offshore wind energy from Giant Norfolk

After completion, Vattenfall’s Norfolk offshore wind zone will be able to supply around 4.6 million households with electricity.

Around 130 new jobs, according to Peel Ports be created with employees who are employed directly for the duration of the project, i.e. around 35 years. Recruitment for the new positions is scheduled to begin in 2026 and take about two years.

Vattenfall is already working with local schools, colleges and universities to promote local awareness and improve the skills needed to work in the sector, Peel Ports said in a statement.

“There was fierce competition for the agreement with an excellent bid from Lowestoft and Associated British Ports. With both ports offering excellent services, it is clear that East Anglia’s potential as an offshore wind energy superpower is assured,” said Peel Ports.

Vattenfall’s base will be on the new £21.4m O&M campus commissioned by Norfolk County Council in a partnership project in association with Great Yarmouth Borough Council and the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership.

“The Government must now play its role in supporting East Anglia and the region’s efforts to secure long-term, green jobs and investment by providing a policy and financial framework that offers value for money for customers and for developer is investable,” Peel said Havens.

Rob Anderson, Project Manager for Vattenfall’s Norfolk Zone, said: “We are very excited to be working with Peel Ports who will provide us with a home for our Norfolk offshore wind zone. With around 130 long-term jobs helping manage the Wind Zone, one of the largest in the world, this should be a major economic boost for the region.”

“All we need now is for the government to do its part by providing a financial framework that gives us confidence that we need to invest so that local people can see the benefits.”

Richard Goffin, Port Director South East Cluster, Peel Ports Group said: “It is fantastic news to have been selected by Vattenfall as the preferred bidder for this O&M contract. This decision continues to demonstrate confidence in Great Yarmouth Port’s role as a key player in the green energy space with tremendous growth potential.

“We will continue to engage with the market together with our valued stakeholders and strengthen our position with further planned expansion. We are proud to support the growth of the sector by providing a platform for projects like the Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone.”

Councilor Carl Smith, Chair of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: ““Great Yarmouth Borough Council is delighted that Vattenfall has chosen the city’s port as the preferred location for its offshore wind zone operations and maintenance base. We have worked hard to support our partner Peel Ports – who operate the port in Great Yarmouth – to make a compelling case for why the port and the broader South Denes offshore energy zone is the ideal location for Vattenfall.

“This operations and maintenance base has the potential to play a key role in executing our forward-looking regeneration strategy for the city, its residents and businesses. It will create new, high quality jobs for the offshore wind sector as renewable energy continues to play an increasingly important role in the UK’s energy mix and economic development.

“Great Yarmouth’s proximity to the southern North Sea is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of the sector and this announcement is excellent news for the city.”