UPDATED: South Korean company to build UK monopile factory; Smulders to build TPs in northeast of England

“Today’s investments will not only put the wind in the sails of the UK’s industrial heartlands, creating and supporting thousands of good quality jobs, they will also benefit the whole of Britain as we work to onshore more manufacturers, attract inward investment and ramp up export opportunities.”

Minister for Investment Gerry Grimstone said, “The UK is well-established as having the largest offshore wind capacity of any country. These investments highlight how we are building a manufacturing base that reflects our position as a world leader in this key technology and the attractiveness of the UK’s clean energy sector to international investors.

“UK workers will be building the next generation of wind turbines that will not only help us meet our own climate change commitments but will be exported and can power countries all over the globe in a cleaner, greener future.”

SeAH Steel Holdings Corporation chief operating officer Joosung Lee said, “Based on the active support and trust of the UK Government, SeAH’s investment in a monopile factory is in full swing.”

The announcement follows another made in March this year when the government provided up to £95M to establish two new ports on the Humber and on Teesside to enable manufacturers to build the next-generation of offshore wind projects. In addition, GE Renewable Energy has announced an investment in a blade manufacturing plant, the first investment on Teesside.

Welcoming the announcement, RenewableUK chief executive Dan McGrail said “This shows what can be achieved by industry and government working together to create new opportunities in parts of the country which need levelling up most.

“The offshore wind sector is delivering industrial benefits to the UK, reinvigorating coastal communities and growing a globally competitive supply chain. Private companies are investing billions in innovative clean technology and creating tens of thousands of high-quality jobs. This is underpinned by the government’s commitment to quadruple our offshore wind capacity by 2030.

“Today’s announcement provides vital new industrial capacity which will help us achieve that goal. This is a landmark year for renewable energy with the UK hosting the COP26 summit in November – announcements like this demonstrate what building back better after the pandemic looks like in practice.”

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