The news that the Port of Blyth has been chosen as the construction base for one of the world's largest wind farms has been welcomed by local politicians.
It was confirmed this week that the recently redeveloped Bates Clean Energy Terminal will be used for energy giant RWE's Sofia offshore wind scheme in the North Seat.
It will see a new facility built including office space, a storage area and a car park for the Dogger Bank wind farm, and will be in place for the next three and a half years.
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It follows considerable investment in the Blyth area - only last month, JDR Cables, which manufactures offshore cables, broke ground at nearby Cambois, while hopes remain that a gigafactory for manufacturing electric car batteries will come to fruition.
Coun Wojciech Ploszaj, Cabinet Member for Business with Northumberland County Council, said the news was fantastic for the entire North East.
Coun Ploszaj said: "This is very welcome news and the latest in a number of high profile investments in this part of Northumberland over the past year.
"The south east of our county has a rapidly growing international reputation as a centre for green energy and to have the Port of Blyth selected as a base for one of the world's largest offshore wind projects is fantastic for the town, Northumberland and the wider region."
The base will host RWE’s Marine Coordination Centre personnel, who are responsible for the planning and coordination of all offshore activities during the construction phase of the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm. It will have direct access to the port’s heavy lift quay, as well as other services.
The 1.4GW Sofia Offshore Wind Farm project is located on Dogger Bank in the North Sea, 120 miles off the North East coast. The construction base is the Port of Blyth’s second announcement related to the Sofia project, following a decision by Dutch firm Van Oord to use the port for the storage and mobilisation of cables for the wind farm.
Blyth Valley MP Ian Levy said the decision showed confidence in the Port of Blyth.
He said: "I am delighted that global energy giant RWE has chosen Port of Blyth as their base whilst they build the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm. This will bring important new jobs to our area and further cements our position as a global centre for the Renewable Sector. It is also a huge vote of confidence in the Port of Blyth and its world class services.
"It is a key priority of mine to encourage this growth and attract public and private investment. As a member of Parliament's Environmental Audit Committee I am only too aware of the importance of increasing offshore wind generation as part of the energy mix."
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