ScottishPower Renewables has kicked off the construction of its second wind farm off the Suffolk coast, which will deliver a green electricity boost for the UK.
East Anglia THREE, part of the East Anglia Hub, has a capacity of 1400 MW of green electricity – enough to power approximately 1.3 million homes and a significant portion of the government’s target for 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030.
The £6.5 billion hub will deliver approximately 3 GW of clean power in total. As well as making more green electricity in the UK for the UK, it will also deliver jobs and investments that will have a positive impact on the local economy.
The hub projects – East Anglia ONE North, TWO, and THREE – will support up to 7000 jobs and 200 training opportunities across their development, construction, and operations, as well as significantly support the UK supply chain.
Ross Ovens, ScottishPower Renewables’ (SPR) Managing Director – Offshore, East Anglia Hub, said: “Energy in the UK has become a critical issue in recent months – not just for those of us who work in the industry – but for everyone. And the solution is simple – more green electricity made in the UK for the UK. Not in 10, 15, or 20 years, but now.
“Net zero climate change ambitions, energy security, and the rising cost of living all point to the need for speed in delivering a greener, more self-sufficient future. Starting construction on EA THREE takes us one step closer to that reality and it’s great to see that happen so soon after the project’s success in Allocation Round 4. It’s a really exciting time for us and for the East of England.”
The initial focus of the EA THREE construction programme will be on the onshore converter station at Bramford in Suffolk – in partnership with Siemens Energy and Aker Solutions – and along the cable route, working with contractor, NKT.
Work on the construction access road at the onshore converter station has started and drainage and earthworks are expected to be completed by the end of the year. Highway works for the three construction compounds along the cable corridor are also underway, with three access roads and one compound expected to be complete by the end of August.
Mark Pilling, VP for HV Grids at Siemens Energy, said: “At Siemens Energy, we recognise the scale and complexity of the energy challenges ahead and that we can’t do it alone. Working in consortium with Aker Solutions, we’re committed to delivering safe, sustainable, efficient solutions for the UK market.
“East Anglia THREE will see us work with our partners on creating the green electricity infrastructure for an offshore wind farm that will have a 1400 MW capacity, and with it the potential to power 1.3 million homes. This includes the construction of a HVDC converter station at Bramford. The project represents a significant step towards delivering on the UK’s energy transition and progressing to a net zero future.”
NKT’s Claes Westerlind, Executive Vice President and Head of HV Solutions Karlskrona, said: “We are pleased to partner with ScottishPower Renewables by adding HVDC turnkey project capabilities and knowhow to the East Anglia THREE wind farm. Offshore wind is key for the green transition of the UK power supply, and with the potential to supply over one million UK homes with green offshore wind energy, this project is an important step in connecting a greener world.”
East Anglia THREE will follow the same cable corridor as SPR’s flagship offshore wind farm – East Anglia ONE – meaning there is no need to create new cable trenches.
EA ONE has given a huge boost to the local economy, supporting approximately 3500 jobs at the peak of construction and 100 long-term skilled jobs. It’s also delivered investment of approximately £145 million in businesses and the supply chain across the East of England.
