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The government says it plans to invest in the UK's offshore wind infrastructure over the next decade, allowing every house in the country to be powered by the technology.
The United Kingdom is already a global leader in offshore wind, according to RenewableUK, and has the most installed capacity in the world. Offshore wind currently powers the equivalent of four-and-a-half million homes each year and was on course to generate more 10% of our electricity by this year.
The cash injection of some £160m will be applied to the manufacture of the next generation of wind turbines, including floating installations and will benefit both ports and factories involved in the manufacturing process. Floating turbine technology allows for windfarms to be placed deeper - further out sea where the wind is stronger, where as more traditional structures are seated in the seabed, closer to the shore.
Downing Street have said up to 2,000 construction jobs would also be created quickly with the investment and that by 2030 the sector could support up to 60,000 jobs in factories, ports and through supply chains.
Given that Norfolk and Suffolk have so much coastline - much of which is already the home for numerous large scale offshore wind projects, there's probably never been a better time for people in the region to start thinking about a career in renewables:
- Students should have a look at our energy and renewables pages here on icanbea... in order to get an idea of the types of roles that might be available and to see some of the region's key wind energy organisations profiled
- Current job seekers should think about whether their existing skillset could be a match of the offshore wind sector, or consider whether their skills could be enhanced or converted through programmes like the East of England Offshore Wind Skills Centre
- It's also important to think about the wider 'Energy Coast' in this region and the alternative energy sector opportunities available through projects such as the existing and and proposed installations at Sizewell
- All of these projects will require good STEM candidates for various types of engineering and planning roles as well as skilled fabricators and construction professionals - they are large scale, long term projects that could offer a career on your doorstep
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