Burnham lauds £12bn offshore wind investment as he prepares for climate summit
Project off Norfolk coast announced as government tries to calm critics after approving Jackdaw gasfield UK politics live – latest updates Andy Burnham has hailed a record investment in offshore wind, as the government tries to repair its green credentials after approving the controversial Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea. On Wednesday the government announced a £12bn investment from the German…
Andy Burnham praised a landmark £12bn offshore wind investment, as the UK government attempts to improve its environmental standing ahead of the Cop31 climate summit in Turkey. The investment from German energy firm RWE and US private equity firm KKR will fund the construction of the Vanguard West and Vanguard East offshore wind farms off the Norfolk coast.
Burnham hailed the commitment as a "vote of confidence for building in Britain" and said it would provide power under British control, rather than being subject to global events. The wind farms, expected to be operational by 2030, will generate enough energy to power 3 million homes. The state-owned national wealth fund will contribute £1bn to the projects.
RWE stated that the Vanguard project is the largest offshore wind development in the UK, producing approximately 2.8 gigawatts of power. The construction of the wind farms is anticipated to create and maintain 2,300 jobs annually through its supply chain, with an additional 100 long-term permanent positions upon completion. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh emphasized that offshore wind and clean power investments are generating high-quality jobs and advancing Britain's transition to net zero, positioning the nation as a renewable energy leader.
Burnham, who is set to deliver a speech on Thursday at Cop31, is striving to reinforce the government's green credentials amidst criticism from Labour MPs and environmental activists over the approval of the Jackdaw gasfield and the rejection of a £800m solar project near Blenheim Palace.
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