Andrew Bowie, the UK Minister for Nuclear and Renewables has emphasised the importance of the Humber Region in playing a significant role in the UK achieving its 2030 wind deployment target.

Bowie informed representatives at the recent Offshore Wind Connections event in Hull expects the region to build on its current contribution to the development of the technology. He highlighted that offshore wind was generating over 17% of the UK’s electricity in 2023 and accounting for five of the world’s largest wind farms, including the 1.2GW Hornsea 1 and 1.32 Hornsea 2 developments.

Bowie explained that if the UK is a success story, then the Humber is a vital part of this journey. The Humber region will play a major role as the UK aims to generate 50GW of offshore wind by 2030.

Alex Codd, the Hull City Council assistant director for economic development and regeneration explains that they are pleased to host this event in the city. The journey for the offshore wind industry began in 2010, when discussions commenced with Siemens Gamesa about creating a blade manufacturing site on the Humber.

Codd highlights that the value wasn’t from the infrastructure of the factory extensions, but the generation of 1200 new jobs. Offshore wind is vital to Hull and the great opportunities it has created in the workforce.