Major ScottishPower Boost for Lowestoft

ScottishPower confirms Lowestoft as long-term home for UK offshore wind with multi-million investment - and the news has been called a 'game changer' for the town.

Site acquisition and development will expand ScottishPower’s presence and kickstart regeneration of PowerPark energy hub around the port 

Green energy company ScottishPower Renewables has confirmed Lowestoft as the long-term home and heart of its UK offshore wind operations with the acquisition of a new site in the town’s PowerPark – expanding its existing footprint in the town.

The company is investing around £8 million to acquire and develop the site on Trinity Road – currently occupied by RJ Pryce (which is moving to a nearby location) – to create its very own permanent base to support the delivery of its offshore wind projects in the East of England.

The site is a stone’s throw from the company’s operations and maintenance base for the East Anglia ONE offshore windfarm, located on land owned by Associated British Ports at Lowestoft port. It will continue to operate on its existing 30-year lease.

The Trinity Road development is expected to have capacity for around 100 people and will primarily provide an operations and maintenance base for the East Anglia THREE offshore windfarm, which is currently under construction.

Jess Asato, MP for Lowestoft, said: “ScottishPower's decision to establish Lowestoft as a long-term hub for its UK offshore wind operations is a game-changer for our town, bringing significant economic opportunities. With a multi-million-pound investment, this project will not only support our windfarms, but also create local jobs, boosting employment in green energy. This investment is a key step toward regenerating Lowestoft and positioning it as a leader in the clean energy industry, ensuring long-term benefits for Lowestoft.”

Ross Ovens, SPR’s Managing Director for Offshore Development and Operations, added: “It’s really exciting that, six years after we put a spade in the ground and built our EA ONE base in Lowestoft, we’re now increasing our footprint, presence and investment in the town. That doesn’t just support ScottishPower’s offshore wind projects and pipeline, it will make a long and lasting difference for local people and communities.  We’re proud to help drive the regeneration of the town and help write the next chapter in Lowestoft’s story – creating a cleaner, greener, brighter and better future.”

Image: Ross Ovens, SPR’s Managing Director for Offshore Development and Operations

Charlie Jordan, CEO of ScottishPower Renewables (SPR), said: “Our continued commitment and investment in Lowestoft highlights the town’s role as a powerhouse for the clean energy industry within the East of England region and we’re here to stay. We’re operating, building and developing windfarms that will power cleaner and greener lives for millions of people – and deliver huge environmental and economic benefits – for decades to come. This is a brilliant boost for the town and the wider East Anglia region and confirms its status as the home and heart of our offshore wind operations in the UK.”

Stuart Pryce, Director of RJ Pryce, said: “We’ve been trading in the town for over 125 years and this announcement marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the company. The move to a new premises – less than a stone’s throw from our current site – will allow us to develop and improve our services. We’re delighted to welcome this investment in the town, strengthening Lowestoft’s position as a leading centre for offshore wind. This sector has become an increasingly important part of our business over the last decade and we’re pleased to see this commitment to its future.”

Councillor Tim Wilson, East Suffolk Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, said: “East Suffolk Council welcomes ScottishPower Renewables’ announcement, which secures their continued long-term future in the town. We have been pleased to support ScottishPower Renewables and RJ Pryce through this development, which will increase investment and secure jobs for the town. In addition, this builds on the Council’s ambition for the development of the PowerPark to support growth within the Clean Energy sector.”

Rachel Bunn, Director of East Coast Energy Training Academy, said: “East Coast is excited about the news of ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) further investing in Lowestoft and the surrounding region. The establishment of this new base is seen as a positive development that will further enhance our ongoing collaboration. The college believes this investment will strengthen the focus on skills development and boost regional employment opportunities, allowing both the educational institution and the renewable energy sector to flourish together.”

Kieron Ford, Managing Director, Renewables of local company, Stowen Group, said: “Stowen Group is proud to be a trusted contractor on the ScottishPower Renewables journey, contributing to the development of the East Anglia Hub. We are overwhelmed by SPR's support as we embark on this transformative project that will deliver clean energy to thousands of homes. It’s inspiring to witness their commitment to local content and community development, and we’re thrilled to be part of such a significant initiative that not only benefits the environment but also strengthens local industry.”