Siemens Gamesa has submitted a ‘game changing’ planning application to Hull City Council to double the size of its blade manufacturing facility in the city, potentially creating hundreds of new jobs. The move has been described as a ‘game-changer’ for Hull, significatly extending the Siemens Gamesa facility on Alexandra Dock from 36,000m
2 to 77,600m
2 to support the growing North Sea wind energy industry.
The proposed development will be dependent on Government support and Siemens Gamesa securing work for the next phase of development on the offshore wind farms. It could see blades in excess of 100m being developed in Hull.
Councillor Daren Hale, Hull City Council’s portfolio holder for economic investment and regeneration, said: “This is thrilling news for Hull and if this goes ahead it will help to further cement the city’s position at the forefront of the green economy revolution.
“As we have seen in the past, investments like this have transformed the city and this latest plan could be a game-changer. It could be critical in supporting the recovery of Hull in a post-Covid-19 economy at a time when so much is uncertain.”
He added: “Investments by Siemens Gamesa have already created over a thousand jobs in this city and these new plans have the potential to create hundreds more skilled opportunities. Hull City Council is committed to a zero-carbon emissions future and, by working with our private sector partners, this plan could be another major milestone in that journey.
“This has great potential for Hull and we now need the Government to support Siemens Gamesa so they can continue to invest in the city and deliver more clean and cheaper energy to consumers.”
When Siemens Gamesa opened its facility at Green Port Hull, it created more than 1,000 new jobs for Hull – 97% of which were filled with local talent from a 30-mile radius – and now contributes more than £73 million GVA to the local economy.
The renewable energy giant also attracted a raft of new businesses to the supply chain in the city, subsequently there has been £3 billion in public and private sector investment in Hull.
Hull City Council has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030 and a recent Local Government Association report said the city could see the creation of 6,143 green jobs by 2030 thanks to the growth of the renewable energy sector.