Clean energy from the East of England could power two thirds of UK homes

Staggering figures released in a new infographic produced by GENERATE shows clean energy from the East of England alone could power the equivalent of 20 million UK homes by 2035.

Working with the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) and key energy stakeholders, GENERATE has compiled a forecast of future energy production, in which 24 GW of clean energy flows into the national grid from the East of England by 2035.

The East of England is set to boost its clean energy production by more than 175% in just over a decade, with huge advances in offshore wind, nuclear, green hydrogen, solar and battery storage in the pipeline. Currently, the region boasts more than 1,000 offshore wind turbines, 139 gas installations and is home to 18% of the UK’s nuclear generating capacity.

GENERATE’s purpose is to convert energy opportunities into business growth, new jobs and investment through the development of ambitious infrastructure projects and supply chain initiatives, attracting investment to the East of England.

Ian Pease, Business Development Manager, GENERATE, said: “The East of England is shaping up to be an integral contributor to the Government’s priority of stabilising the cost of energy to UK consumers, whilst securing energy supplies as we shift away from a reliance on expensive fossil-fuels and transition to more affordable sources of clean and renewable energy generation.  We will produce the lion’s share of the UK’s low carbon energy from a supercluster of offshore wind, nuclear and onshore renewables, also playing a colossal part in the UK’s journey to net-zero.

“Our region is uniquely placed to help the UK succeed in the rapid deployment and scale up of clean energy generation, whilst attracting further investment and creating new jobs – this is the important message we will share with government decision makers and energy stakeholders.”

Martin Dronfield, Executive Chairman of EEEGR, and a Director of Opergy Limited said: “We are pleased to support GENERATE in the development of this powerful new infographic released today. It demonstrates the scope and scale of the East of England’s clean energy capabilities and will be used extensively to inform government ministers and officials eager to source secure and reliable energy supplies, shining a light on our region’s energy credentials, supply chain and our world class research and development capabilities.”

The East of England is currently the largest offshore wind market in the UK. In the last 12 months alone it has seen a score of new wind farms granted planning consent, including Vattenfall’s Vanguard and Boreas projects and ScottishPower Renewables’ East Anglia ONE North and East Anglia TWO. In total, 54% of the UK’s consented offshore wind is off the coast of the East of England.  The region is also home to EDF’s Sizewell B power station and the site of the newly consented Sizewell C project, which together will generate enough energy to power 8.3 million homes.  Additionally, further up the coast, the Bacton gas terminal continues to supply 30% of the UK’s gas.

By 2035 the region alone is set to produce;

• 6GW through offshore wind
• 4GW through solar
• 4GW through nuclear

Energy contributes to the region’s economy too; GENERATE’s infographic shows there are more than 110,000 employees working in the energy and low carbon sectors in the East of England as well as more than 12,285 businesses. In addition, forecasts indicate a further £122 billion will be invested in clean energy in the East of England by 2050.

As energy security and supply continue to be at the forefront of the UK’s political and social agenda, the potential of the East of England alone to provide clean power for the equivalent of 67% of UK homes can no longer be overlooked.

GENERATE and EEEGR will be on hand to discuss their latest figures at Wind Energy Hamburg from September 27^th to 30^th. Those interested in hearing more about the opportunities in the East of England can arrange a meeting or drop by the UK pavilion, stand B1.OG.305.13.