Huge Tyne jobs hope as port unveils £150m clean energy plans
The Port of Tyne is investing £150 million to transform 230 acres into the Tyne Clean Energy Park, adding 400 metres of deep-water quayside to support offshore renewables, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. The redevelopment could create up to 12,000 jobs, deliver £5.6 billion to the economy, and establish the North East as a hub for the UK’s green energy revolution.
The plan has the backing of transport secretary Heidi Alexander and North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness who said: “It’s fantastic that the Port of Tyne is bringing forward a new clean energy terminal with a deep-water dock which will help us in our work to establish the North East as the home of the green energy revolution.
“The potential for the site is huge. It could generate thousands of clean energy jobs which will benefit the region in the long-term and further establish a real hub for renewables and offshore sectors on the bank of the Tyne. I look forward to seeing how the project progresses”
Kim McGuinness
The investment programme will create a longer deep-water quayside and heavy lift facilities on the river’s north bank. It comes after the Tyne Clean Energy Park was designated an Industrial Strategy Zone with benefits that include business rates relief and other financial incentives for companies setting up there.
The development will focus on supporting the fast-growing offshore renewables, clean energy and advanced manufacturing sectors, all of which have been identified as key priorities for the North East economy.
In a separate move, Ørsted has chosen the Tyne Clean Energy Park in South Shields as the marshalling base for its £8.5bn Hornsea 3 Offshore Wind Farm – set to become the world’s largest offshore wind farm. The 100,000m² site will handle secondary steel components before installation at sea, supporting the delivery of 197 turbines.
Located 160 kilometres off the Yorkshire coast, Hornsea 3 is an £8.5 billion infrastructure project set to generate enough green energy to power more than three million UK homes, boosting energy security and delivering local and national economic growth through supply chain investment.
Once complete, Hornsea 3 will generate enough clean energy to power over three million UK homes.
Matt Beeton (left) and Jason Ledden
Matt Beeton, Chief Executive Officer at the Port of Tyne, said:
“Ørsted’s decision to base its marshalling operations at the Port of Tyne marks another significant milestone for the North East. It represents a clear vote of confidence in the infrastructure, skills and capabilities we have developed at the Tyne Clean Energy Park.
“This partnership is not only about delivering clean energy – it is about securing international investment, driving economic growth and creating the highly skilled jobs that will sustain our communities for generations, anchored by our best-in-class offshore wind base.”
Jason Ledden, Senior Project Director, Hornsea 3 at Ørsted, added:
“The construction of Hornsea 3 will greatly improve energy security for the UK, as well as bringing investment into the local and national economy. This means home-grown clean power, skilled jobs and economic growth.
“Ørsted’s vision is to create a world that runs entirely on green energy and the dedication of skilled workers all over the UK, including at the Port of Tyne, will help make that happen.”
Severfield, a UK structural steel contractor, and Smulders, a multidisciplinary construction firm located on the River Tyne, will fabricate and supply secondary steel components.