Green light for £450m marine energy park

A major £450 million marine energy park in northern England was finally given the go-ahead by the Government yesterday. Located on the south bank of the Humber, the Able Marine […]

A major £450 million marine energy park in northern England was finally given the go-ahead by the Government yesterday.

Located on the south bank of the Humber, the Able Marine Energy Park (pictured) will include facilities for the manufacture, assembly and installation of offshore renewable technologies and is expected to create 4,000 jobs.

Able UK was granted consent following a long-awaited decision, subject to a series of delays this year.

Founder and Executive Chairman Peter Stephenson hailed it as “massively important for the region and the whole of the UK economy”.

He added: “The Humber is ideally placed in close proximity to the world’s largest proposed offshore wind farms and, coupled with the scale of the site, the inherent strengths of local people and local businesses, we have the very best package to offer the emerging offshore wind sector.”

Construction is scheduled to start next year, with the 1,289m quay expected to be available from late 2016.

RenewableUK welcomed the news and believes the decision is a cause for celebration for the whole offshore wind sector across the nation.

Deputy Chief Executive Maf Smith said: “It is testament to a continuing sense of long term confidence in the offshore wind sector, which is at the very heart of our green energy future.

“This announcement could be the catalyst for further investment in the region. Offshore wind and the supply chain it is building, could create tens of thousands of green-collar jobs to coastline communities in areas where they’re needed most”.

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