Energy Secretary visits ‘home and heart’ of ScottishPower’s offshore wind operations
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband stopped off at ScottishPower Renewables’ offshore wind base in Lowestoft today (Thursday) to hear about the green energy company’s multi-billion projects in the region and the positive impact they are having.
Popping into the East Anglia ONE base, he toured the facility with the operations team, chatted to staff and apprentices and discussed the company’s additional operations building, which will be built on a neighbouring site – significantly expanding the company’s footprint in East Anglia.
The region is home to ScottishPower’s offshore wind operations in the UK, with East Anglia ONE in operation; East Anglia THREE under construction; and supply chain being put in place for East Anglia TWO.
Once in operation, the windfarms – which represent overall investment of £9 billion – will collectively produce enough clean, green electricity to power the equivalent of more than three million homes, support thousands of jobs across the supply chain and deliver long-lasting benefits for towns like Lowestoft and beyond.
Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy and Net Zero, said: “Our mission to become a clean energy superpower is about attracting investment into local communities, creating new jobs and delivering energy security for families and businesses.
“This investment is a huge vote of confidence in our mission, supporting economic growth in the region and supporting a new era of clean electricity.
“It shows that this unstoppable clean energy transition is underway, delivering our Plan for Change to rebuild Britain as part of a decade of national renewal.”
Ross Ovens, ScottishPower Renewables’ Managing Director for Offshore, said: “It’s fantastic to welcome the Energy Secretary to Lowestoft – the home and heart of ScottishPower’s offshore wind operations in the UK – and celebrate the town’s role as a clean energy powerhouse for the offshore wind industry.
“Our projects are a huge part of the town’s – and the wider East Anglia region’s – renewables success. It was great to have the opportunity to highlight the investment, the jobs and the growth we will deliver for local people and businesses as we build the green generation for a clean energy future.”
Jess Asato, MP for Lowestoft, said: "Lowestoft is at the heart of the UK’s clean energy revolution, and the visit by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero further cements our town as a leader in offshore wind and the broader energy transition.
“With ScottishPower’s expansion and Associated British Ports’ £35 million investment in the fully operational Lowestoft Eastern Energy Facility, our town is attracting major businesses and creating thousands of high-quality, well-paid jobs in green energy.
“Labour is committed to ensuring that Lowestoft and the surrounding region benefit from these opportunities by investing in training and infrastructure, helping to revive our coastal community. This investment will provide young people with the skills and career opportunities they need to stay and thrive here, securing a brighter future for all.
“This is the beginning of a new chapter—one that will see Lowestoft play a pivotal role in turning the UK into a clean energy superpower and driving long-term prosperity."