Graham Stuart Visits Huge Windfarm off the Holderness Coast

Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart has visited Eon’s Humber Gateway offshore windfarm to learn more about the technology and the role it can play in the UK’s energy mix.  The Humber Gateway windfarm, made up of 73 giant turbines located 8km off the Holderness coast, generated electricity for the first time in February 2015.  It provides enough electricity for around 170,000 homes - equivalent to one and a half times the size of Hull.

Graham’s visit included a tour of the windfarm and the substation where the power is directed before being transmitted to the shore.  He was joined on the trip by Jon Beresford, Operations Manager (pictured with Graham).

The Humber area lies at the heart of the offshore wind industry in the UK and has been designated by the Humber LEP as Britain’s “energy estuary”.  Siemens and Associated British Ports are investing £310 million in wind turbine production and installation facilities in Hull and in Paull in Holderness, which will create and support thousands of jobs in the East Riding.

Speaking after his visit, Graham said:

“This area is leading the world in offshore wind and it was great to see the machines close up. Costs are coming down all the time, efficiency is rising and there will be more jobs and opportunities to come as the technologies mature. It’s a local success story and I want to see it grow and grow.”