With the launch of the Greater Gabbard offshore wind farm, Suffolk has hit a major milestone and has generated an important investment paving the way for growth of the local economy.
The emergence of green energy as a key industry in Suffolk has reached a major milestone after an offshore wind farm started to produce enough power to supply more than half a million homes.
The Greater Gabbard wind farm, off the coast of Sizewell, is now able to generate 500 megawatts of power through its 140 turbines.
And with two new wind farms in the pipeline on the Suffolk coast - East Anglia One, which will have up to 325, and the proposed 504MW Galloper extension to Greater Gabbard - experts say the industry is set to boom in the coming years.
A major industry body hailed the full operation of Greater Gabbard as a “landmark” in the development of renewable energy.
Roughly £1.5 million was spent refurbishing a derelict part of the old Lowestoft fish market to transform it into an operation and maintenance base, including stores, round-the-clock control room and offices for 80 people.
A further half-a-million pounds has been sunk into building a new purpose built hanger and helicopter landing pad.
Scottish and Southern Energy plc, which is jointly in charge of the project with RWE npower renewables, will directly employ 25 full time local staff for the operation and administration of Gabbard.
Meanwhile, Greater Gabbard Offshore Winds Limited (GGOWL) has taken on the first workboat vessels from two new operators - Great Yarmouth-based Iceni Marine and Tidal Transit, operating from the North Norfolk coast.
Another notable contract has been awarded to local product supply specialists 3Sun for statutory inspections, while CLS Offshore and Lowestoft’s Windcat Workboats have all benefited from work on the Suffolk coast and the introduction to offshore markets beyond Greater Gabbard.
RD property finders specialising in property finding for residential and businesses o the East Coast including Lowestoft, Southwold, Aldeburgh and all towns East Coast UK.
