UK politics: Burnham hails approval of huge windfarm projects, saying power is under British control
£12bn wind farm commitment
RWE and KKR announced a combined £12bn investment, described as believed to be the largest of its kind in UK history to date. The funding gives the go-ahead to Vanguard West and Vanguard East, with operations planned to begin by 2030.
The wind farms are expected to supply power equivalent to around three million UK homes. More than 2,400 jobs are forecast during construction and operation, while offshore construction is due to start in early 2027. Onshore work is already well advanced.
Burnham praises domestic power
Burnham said the investment was good news for billpayers and a vote of confidence in building in Britain. He said each turbine would mean power was under British control rather than exposed to events elsewhere in the world.
The projects are intended to provide clean, secure homegrown electricity and help protect families from global fossil fuel price shocks. The developers have made their final investment commitment to deliver them.
SSE outlines Berwick Bank jobs
Scottish-headquartered SSE said the latest phase of its Berwick Bank offshore wind project, Berwick Bank B, would support 2,677 skilled jobs across northern England and Scotland. The roles are in manufacturing, engineering and project delivery.
SSE has contracted Siemens Energy to manufacture wind turbines and substation platforms. The work also includes 130 new project delivery positions in Glasgow and Montrose. At full capacity, Berwick Bank, off Scotland’s east coast, could become the world’s largest offshore wind farm. It could meet more than 6% of current UK electricity demand.
Key points
- RWE and KKR committed £12bn to two offshore wind farms scheduled to operate by 2030.
- Vanguard West and Vanguard East could supply electricity equivalent to around three million UK homes.
- Burnham said the investment would put power under British control.
- SSE said Berwick Bank B could support 2,677 jobs across northern England and Scotland.