ScottishPower Renewables has confirmed a £1 billion contract with Siemens Gamesa for the supply of 15 MW turbines for the East Anglia 2 offshore wind farm off England's east coast. Under the agreement, Siemens Gamesa will deliver 64 SG 14-236 DD turbines, each with a 236-meter rotor diameter, for the project situated 33 kilometers off Suffolk's coast. The blades, measuring 115 meters, will be produced at Siemens Gamesa's blade manufacturing plant in Hull, which now employs about 1,300 people, following the recent addition of over 600 staff.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the announcement, emphasizing its role in the UK's energy strategy. “Our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower will fire up our industrial heartlands and break down barriers to growth in our hard-working towns and cities,” he said. “By acting decisively and early, the UK has an opportunity to lead the world in the industries of the future – working in partnership with businesses like ScottishPower and Siemens Energy – creating real energy security, cutting energy bills and building jobs and supply chains in the UK.”
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband added, “This investment is a huge vote of confidence in the UK's growing renewables sector and will power our clean energy future – supporting skilled jobs and green growth in Hull and beyond.” He further noted that “Offshore wind is the backbone of our clean power 2030 mission; every new turbine in our waters helps us boost energy security, protect consumers, and tackle the climate crisis.”
ScottishPower CEO Keith Anderson highlighted the significance of the project, saying, “Getting more projects like East Anglia 2 off the blocks quicker will turbo-boost the UK's supply chain, giving companies like Siemens Gamesa the confidence to invest in facilities like this blade factory in Hull.” He also called for “getting barriers out the way to build more projects like this, alongside the electricity networks needed to ferry green, homegrown power across the country.”
Darren Davidson, UK and Ireland Vice President for Siemens Energy and Siemens Gamesa, emphasized the UK's progress in energy transition: “The UK is the first leading industrial country to simultaneously phase out coal power and be a leader in offshore wind. If we're to achieve our net zero targets, it's mission critical this momentum is maintained. As well as delivering the blades to power the UK's energy transition, our factory in Hull is acting as a catalyst for economic growth and green jobs across the region.”
This East Anglia 2 project, part of the EA Hub complex, represents a significant step forward in meeting the UK's renewable energy targets, supporting the national drive for cleaner power and economic revitalization.
