Cameron welcomes go-ahead for £210m wind farm plant in region

Siemens and Associated British Ports announced yesterday they were submitting planning applications for the development of the proposed £210m Green Port Hull facility at the city’s Alexandra Dock.

It is hoped the facility, which will allow wind turbines to be manufactured for offshore wind farms in the North Sea, will place the city at the centre of the UK’s renewable energy industry and provide a much-needed boost for British manufacturing.

The Prime Minister said: “I warmly welcome the announcement by Siemens. It is a significant vote of confidence, both in our fast-growing renewables sector and in Hull, by one of the world’s leading engineering companies.

“Many of us across central and local government have worked behind the scenes to make this pioneering project real. I am confident that it will further enhance the UK’s global leadership in offshore wind power.”

Energy Minister Charles Hendry also hailed the move as a “clear sign of progress and confidence in the UK market”, while Business Secretary Vince Cable said the Government was “determined to ensure that the Humber benefits from the UK’s investment in offshore renewables”.

Siemens hopes the plant could open in 2014. The development could create 300 construction jobs and the plant would then employ 700 highly skilled engineering workers, with more in the supply chain.

Dan McGrail, Siemens project manager said: “We are very pleased that another significant milestone in the project has been achieved, and we look forward to discussing plans further with the local community during the consultation process.

“Both Siemens and ABP would like to thank Hull City Council and the local community for helping us reach today’s milestone and for their support.”