Green energy company ScottishPower Renewables has confirmed Lowestoft as the long-term home and heart of its UK offshore wind operations with the acquisition of a new site in the town’s PowerPark – expanding its existing footprint in the town.
The company is investing around £8million to acquire and develop the site on Trinity Road – currently occupied by RJ Pryce (which is moving to a nearby location) – to create its very own permanent base to support the delivery of its offshore wind projects in the East of England.
The site is a stone’s throw from the company’s operations and maintenance base for the East Anglia ONE offshore windfarm, located on land owned by Associated British Ports at Lowestoft port. It will continue to operate on its existing 30-year lease.
The Trinity Road development is expected to have capacity for around 100 people and will primarily provide an operations and maintenance base for the East Anglia THREE offshore windfarm, which is currently under construction.
Ross Ovens, ScottishPower Renewables' Managing Director for Offshore Development and Operations
Charlie Jordan, CEO of ScottishPower Renewables (SPR), said: “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. We’re operating, building and developing windfarms that will power cleaner and greener lives for millions of people – and deliver huge environmental and economic benefits – for decades to come. This is a brilliant boost for the town and the wider East Anglia region and confirms its status as the home and heart of our offshore wind operations in the UK.”
Ross Ovens, SPR’s Managing Director for Offshore Development and Operations, added: “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. That doesn’t just support ScottishPower’s offshore wind projects and pipeline, it will make a long and lasting difference for local people and communities. We’re proud to help drive the regeneration of the town and help write the next chapter in Lowestoft’s story – creating a cleaner, greener, brighter and better future.”
Jess Asato, MP for Lowestoft, said: “ScottishPower's decision to establish Lowestoft as a long-term hub for its UK offshore wind operations is a game-changer for our town, bringing significant economic opportunities. With a multi-million-pound investment, this project will not only support our windfarms, but also create local jobs, boosting employment in green energy. This investment is a key step toward regenerating Lowestoft and positioning it as a leader in the clean energy industry, ensuring long-term benefits for Lowestoft.”