ScottishPower Renewables has confirmed that Lowestoft will become the long-term center for its UK offshore wind operations, with the acquisition of a new site in the town's PowerPark. The company is investing approximately £8 million to purchase and develop the site, which will serve as a permanent base to support its offshore wind projects in the East of England.
The new facility is expected to accommodate around 100 employees and will primarily function as an operations and maintenance hub for the 1,400 MW East Anglia 3 offshore wind farm, which is currently under construction. The site is located near the company's existing operations and maintenance base for the 714 MW East Anglia 1 wind farm, situated on land leased from Associated British Ports at Lowestoft port.
Charlie Jordan, CEO of ScottishPower Renewables, emphasized the strategic importance of Lowestoft, stating, “Our continued commitment and investment in Lowestoft highlights the town's role as a powerhouse for the clean energy industry within the East of England region and we're here to stay.”
Ross Ovens, Managing Director for Offshore Development and Operations at ScottishPower Renewables, expressed enthusiasm about the company's growing presence in the area. “It's really exciting that, six years after we put a spade in the ground and built our EA ONE base in Lowestoft, we're now increasing our footprint, presence, and investment in the town,” he said.
The expansion of ScottishPower's operations in Lowestoft is expected to bring both environmental and economic benefits to the region, supporting ongoing offshore wind projects and contributing to the regeneration of the town.
