World-class centre for renewable energy manufacturing to go ahead 19 December 2013
The £450m Able Marine Energy Park, in North Lincolnshire – the largest offshore wind energy manufacturing facility in Europe, expected to create around 4,000 jobs – has been given the go-ahead.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport Robert Goodwill announced the government's decision yesterday (18 December 2013).
The Able Marine Energy Park - on land near North Killingholme - will manufacture and supply turbines to offshore wind farms.
Together with the Able Logistics Park, which has already been given planning consent, this will represent a total investment of £550m and the creation of almost 10,000 jobs, according to Cllr Liz Redfern, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, who welcomed the decision.
"This is fantastic news and a great opportunity which will unlock the economic potential of the Humber estuary," says Redfern.
"The go-ahead signifies a real turning point in the manufacturing and engineering industry and brings a significant boost to local industry and jobs," she continues.
Redfern states that the development could require around one million tonnes of steel each year, signifying a massive boost to local steelworks Tata and potentially also kick-starting the economic recovery of steel – particularly for steel plate and long products.
"The Able Marine Energy Park's significance has been compared to the impact of the Nissan development in the North East and I do not believe this is an exaggeration," comments Peter Stephenson, Able founder and executive chairman.
"The Humber is ideally placed in close proximity to the proposed world's largest offshore wind farms and, coupled with the scale of the site and inherent strengths of local people and businesses, we have the very best package to offer the emerging wind sector."
Brian Tinham
This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies
contact the sales team.