By Grimsby’s green revolution branded ‘model’ for other towns after pandemic
Grimsby was once home to the world’s largest fishing ports and has since been committed to making the necessary changes to become a ‘greener’ town.
Grimsby’s first wind farm opened off the coast in 2008 and named the world’s largest offshore wind operations and maintenance centre.
The 54 turbines were part of Britain’s first major advance into renewable offshore energy.
Since then, the field has expanded, adding hundreds of megawatts of electricity.
There are four offshore wind farms directly managed from the East Coast Hub, namely Westermost Rough, Lincs, Race Bank and Gunfleet Sands, located in the South East.
Two additional sites which are currently under construction, Hornsea One and Hornsea Two will be joining the East Coast portfolio as the UK’s largest offshore wind farms in 2020 and 2022.
Once complete, the six sites will contribute to the generation of clean electricity for 3.2 million homes across the UK.
Grimsby’s renewable energy operations manager, Catherine York, says green energy is breathing new life into the town.
She said:
“Wind power has brought change and enthusiasm to places that have historically declined and lost confidence in itself”.
She wants to continue these efforts with the local company Grimsby Renewables Partnership and hopes to generate more green investment.
Darren Ramshaw, Ørsted Head of the East Coast Region, said:
“The town has become a leading light in the development of offshore wind for the country and has really embraced the skills and opportunities that have become available within this exciting sector”.
“With the port’s regeneration also on the horizon, we are excited to be a part of the development and growth in this area”.
