Windfarm construction projects in ScottishPower Renewables’ East Anglia Hub are set to deliver a further jobs and investment boost for the region, after the Scots concern awarded a major construction services contract to the Stowen Group.
A multi-million pounds contract sees the Great Yarmouth-based company – previously a subcontractor on East Anglia ONE – directly support the offshore construction for East Anglia ONE North, East Anglia TWO and East Anglia THREE.
The partnership between ScottishPower Renewables and Stowen will contribute, the parties say, towards a robust and stable future for the expanding offshore wind industry – facilitating the growth of local employment opportunities and supporting an economic upswing within the local region.
East Anglia THREE – envisaged as the world’s second largest windfarm when it comes into operation in 2026 – will be the first of the Hub projects supported by Stowen.
Besides generating enough green power for the equivalent of 1.3 million homes, East Anglia THREE will support more than 2,300 jobs across the supply chain during the two-year offshore construction period.
Stowen Group’s business growth director Kieron Ford said: “This contract award provides a solid platform for Stowen to build on our ambitions to provide safe, secure and lasting careers across the East of England through training and development that supports people coming into the industry at all levels – from apprentices through to management.
“In practice, it means growing our workforce locally through skills transfer, apprenticeships and upskilling; solidifying our reputation as a leading services provider in the offshore wind industry, while contributing to the UK’s net zero future. It is a momentous collaboration for us.”
Ross Ovens, ScottishPower Renewables’ Managing Director for the East Anglia Hub, said: “Working with Stowen on this contract and supporting the business to expand and build on its ambitions is a terrific example of the transformational impact of offshore wind, and ScottishPower’s projects, in this region.
“Not only are we powering a cleaner and greener future through more homegrown green electricity – we’re also creating a legacy that will deliver environmental, social and economic benefits for local people and communities for years to come. That’s the real power of offshore wind and a cleaner and greener East Anglia, and we’re very proud to be leading the way”.
