Green light granted to Green Port Hull project

UK councillors have this week given the green light to the proposed Green Port Hull development.

The project, a joint venture between German energy giant Siemens and Associated British Ports (ABP), will see the construction of a £230 million wind turbine factory on Hull’s Alexandra Dock.

The factory is scheduled to be open for business in 2014.

Siemens said that it expects to employ around 800 people at the factory to aid in the making of the firm’s blade and turbine units. An additional 10,000 jobs will also be generated in the renewables sector as a direct result of the development.

Ed Davey, the UK’s Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, said today that the development would give much needed confidence to the country’s manufacturing supply chain.

“Today’s announcement is fantastic news. The Humber can make a serious contribution to the UK’s renewable energy future

“Its location and sheer proximity to some of the potential new wind projects in the North Sea puts the region in pole position to benefit from investment in renewables.

“The enthusiasm of the local community has been key to the success of this project so far and it is great to see further progress being made,” added Davey.

However, despite today’s unanimous decision by Hull City Council the project is still subject to government approval.

“There is still lots to do with elements of the plans being prepared to be passed to the secretary of state, ahead of a final investment decision by Siemens being made later in the year,” said Councillor Steven Bayes.

“In the meantime, the council and its partners will continue working towards making sure Hull and the surrounding region achieves its aims of becoming the UK renewables hub.”

Bayes added that the project was a “key milestone” for the Humber region as it bids to become a hub for the UK’s renewables sector. Hull fought off competition from a number of Europe’s major cities to secure the proposed new Siemens factory.

Addressing Hull City councillors earlier today, Siemens project manger, Dan McGrail, said that he hopes that the factory will put Hull at the centre of Siemens energy revolution.

A deal to finalise the project is expected to be reached between ABP and Munich-based Siemens later this year.

 

Image 01: Associated British Ports (ABP)

Image 02: Climate Action Stock Photo

Video: ABP & Siemens