THE construction and operation of the world’s biggest offshore wind farm, Dogger Bank, has created 240 green jobs for the North-East.

The announcement includes the creation of 120 new skilled jobs at Able Seaton Port in Hartlepool during the construction phase of Dogger Bank Wind Farm.

The Able Seaton Port will be a marshalling base for service equipment, installation and commissioning activities.

A further 120 skilled jobs will be based offshore and at the Port of Tyne for Operations and Maintenance of the wind turbines once the wind farm is operational.

UK Energy Minister, Kwasi Kwarteng, said: “I am thrilled to see so many green jobs on the way to the North East of England thanks to our world-leading offshore wind industry. Projects like Dogger Bank are absolutely crucial to building back greener from the coronavirus pandemic – creating jobs, growing the economy and tackling climate change.

“I look forward to watching its progress in the months and years ahead.”

Dogger Bank Wind Farm, is the largest wind farm in the world under construction, has confirmed GE’s 13MW Haliade-X as the turbine powering the first two phases of the project.

Peter Stephenson, Able UK’s executive chairman, said: “We have enjoyed a long and constructive relationship with GE Renewable Energy culminating in today’s announcement – it’s a massive vote of confidence for the company and the UK.

"Our sustained investment at Able Seaton Port means we can provide a bespoke and tailor-made solution for Dogger Bank.

“We are delighted that 120 skilled jobs will be based here at the port, in this exciting and growing industry.

"The offshore wind sector will increase four-fold by 2030 through the Sector Deal, and with the increasingly demanding targets for low carbon power generation, there is an unparalleled level of market visibility.

" Combine this with the sectors’ extraordinary efforts in terms of developing new products and significantly reducing costs, this industry is set to become a dominant factor in a post Covid 19 UK economy.”

RenewableUK’s deputy chief executive, Melanie Onn, said: “Coastal communities in Hartlepool and Port of Tyne are set to reap massive economic benefits with hundreds of new jobs on offer at a time when we need them most, as the world’s biggest offshore wind farm is built in UK waters, demonstrating innovative technology with these powerful turbines. Job creation is a key part of the UK’s offshore wind success story, with clusters of companies setting up for business in ports all around the UK.

“Dogger Bank and its Tier One suppliers’ ‘Meet the Buyer’ events will ensure that more UK companies take advantage of the opportunities for firms at the cutting edge of renewable energy technology to capitalise on our global lead in offshore wind.”

Recruitment is set to start in early 2021 with turbine installation due to begin in 2023 at Dogger Bank A. The announcement represents the largest single order ever for offshore wind turbines, confirming 190 turbines.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has welcomed the creation of the new jobs in Hartlepool.

He said: “It is fantastic that these 120 high skilled, good quality construction jobs on the biggest wind farm in the world under construction are coming to Hartlepool. It shows once again that Teesside is leading the way when it comes to offshore wind and clean energy.

“My plan for jobs – creating high skilled, good quality local jobs for local people in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool – is essential as we deal with the impacts of the coronavirus and these jobs supporting the industries of the future is exactly what we need.

“Whether it is our work with hydrogen, or Net Zero Teesside that will create thousands of jobs, we are become a pioneer in clean energy for the rest of the world to follow, with companies continuing to be attracted to our area, creating local jobs for local people, while helping the UK achieve its clean energy potential.”

Jessie Joe Jacobs, Labour mayoral candidate, said “This is fantastic news for Hartlepool and the Tees Valley as a whole. These sustainable, green jobs are exactly the kind of projects that we need to attract to our area in order to grow the economy and tackle the threat from climate change.

"I am convinced that green industries like this can provide the type of long term, skilled jobs that we need and making the Tees Valley the UK centre for them will be the cornerstone of my economic plan. This is the just the start of what we can achieve here and there are exciting times ahead”