Major blow to plans for a multi million pound renewable energy park near Immingham

A key investor has pulled out

Author: Andy MarshPublished 14th Feb 2022

It's claimed plans for a multi million pound renewable energy facility due to be built near Immingham will still going ahead despite a key investor pulling out.

The Able marine Energy park would be located on the Humber bank, building and maintaining wind turbines

But now a Korean firm has decided to switch their plans for a new plant to a Tax payer funded site in Teeside.

They manufacture parts for wind turbines.

The Able group says it's still committed to the project but admits it's likely to be delayed.

They've released a statement this morning:

Able Group Executive Chairman Peter Stephenson said that while the decision, by the company SeAH, was disappointing and would inevitably delay the start of AMEP, the project remained central to the Government’s aspirations—and those of the company—- to be at the forefront of establishing the UK as a world leader in offshore wind energy development. AMEP will play a vital role in transforming the UK’s offshore wind sector, attracting both manufacturing and installation activities and in delivering Government’s increasing targets for UK content.

Mr Stephenson explained, “The AMEP project needs to secure commitment from other key manufacturers. They, in turn, need to secure their own initial orders to justify their investment. Their immediate opportunity was within the soon to be completed (April/July) CfD (Contract for Differences) allocation Round 4 process for c. 7.0GW of new installed offshore wind capacity.

“However, as things stand SiemensGamesa – who supply blades from an existing UK facility (Hull) – have had unprecedented success in this round and at the significant expense of their competitors seeking to establish facilities at AMEP.”

“Indirectly this has created a specific problem for SeAH, who have secured an order and need to start constructing their facilities in Q2 2022. However, we cannot commit to quay construction until we have a minimum of two key manufacturers to provide guaranteed income streams to support project viability.