ScottishPower Base Visit with Energy Secretary Ed Miliband MP
24th January 2025
I was delighted to join Energy Secretary Ed Miliband on a visit to ScottishPower Renewables’ offshore wind base in our town. This visit showcased the vital role that Lowestoft is playing in the UK’s transition to clean energy and the significant investment that is creating high-quality, well-paid jobs for our community.
Lowestoft is set to be the long-term home for major offshore wind projects, and it is fantastic to see ScottishPower Renewables committing to our town with an £8 million investment in a new operations and maintenance base at PowerPark on Trinity Road. This project will create around 100 jobs and provide critical support for the East Anglia THREE offshore wind farms, further cementing our status as a clean energy hub.
The importance of this investment cannot be overstated. It builds on ScottishPower’s existing presence in Lowestoft, with its East Anglia ONE operations and maintenance base at Hamilton Road, and comes alongside the £35 million Lowestoft Eastern Energy Facility, which is now fully operational thanks to investment by Associated British Ports. Together, these projects are transforming our town’s economy, attracting major businesses, and securing long-term opportunities for local people.
During our visit, we toured the East Anglia ONE base, meeting with the operations team, staff, and apprentices. It was inspiring to hear directly from those working in the industry about the opportunities offshore wind is bringing to our area. We also discussed plans for the additional operations building that will be constructed on the neighbouring site, further reinforcing Lowestoft’s status as a leader in the offshore wind sector.
ScottishPower Renewables’ commitment to the region is part of a broader investment of £9 billion in offshore wind projects in East Anglia. Once operational, these wind farms – East Anglia ONE, THREE, and TWO – will generate enough clean, green electricity to power more than three million homes. This is not just about energy security; it is about economic growth, skilled jobs, and long-term benefits for our local community.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband rightly recognised the significance of these developments. He stated that the government’s mission to become a clean energy superpower is about attracting investment, creating jobs, and securing energy for families and businesses. Lowestoft is at the heart of this mission, and the commitment from ScottishPower Renewables is a huge vote of confidence in our town’s future.
Ross Ovens, managing director for offshore at ScottishPower Renewables, echoed this sentiment, calling Lowestoft the "home and heart" of their offshore wind operations in the UK. I couldn’t agree more. With these investments and the incredible momentum we are seeing in the offshore wind industry, Lowestoft is firmly establishing itself as a clean energy powerhouse, bringing prosperity and opportunity to our community for years to come.