Secretary of State has visited Belfast Harbour to
view the site where two major offshore wind farms will be
assembled as part of a £100 million landmark deal. It follows
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's announcement at
COP 30 that over 300 jobs could be created, after joint venture
partners JERA Nex bp and EnBW agreed to lease Belfast
Harbour's offshore wind terminal to act as the hub for the
assembly and construction of the planned Mona and
Morgan wind farms.
The new facilities represent two of the biggest offshore wind
farms planned in the Irish Sea. Once operational, they could
deliver enough clean energy to power the equivalent of around 3
million UK homes every year.
After meeting with representatives from EnBW and JERA Nex bp, who
are developing the planned Mona & Morgan Offshore
wind farms, the Secretary of State undertook a boat tour to view
the work at Belfast Harbour to make the site ready for use from
2028. The deal is expected to drive regional economic
growth, support the local supply chain and help attract external
investment into the region. It has enabled Belfast Harbour
to invest £90 million in a new deepwater berth to support cruise
tourism and further offshore wind projects in the future.
Following his visit to Belfast Harbour, the Secretary of State
said:
“This commitment of over £100 million to Belfast Harbour is
fantastic news for Northern Ireland and the wider UK, generating
jobs and economic growth while supporting the development of
affordable clean energy.
“Having met with the joint venture partners and seen the scale of
the development work at Belfast Harbour, it's clear that this
deal will secure Northern Ireland's key role in the UK's clean
energy future.
“The UK Government's industrial strategy is boosting the
industries of the future and helping to ensure greater energy
security with UK-generated power.”
Michael Class, Senior Vice President Generation Portfolio
Development said:
“EnBW is excited to announce this milestone commitment and the
next stage of our planned investment in the UK's clean energy and
industrial infrastructure.
“With 15 years of experience in the offshore wind sector, we are
proud to collaborate with partners to bring investment, jobs, and
growth to a market at the forefront of clean energy
deployment.
“We are optimistic about fostering a long-lasting partnership
between Germany, the UK, and Northern Ireland.”
Nathalie Oosterlinck, CEO JERA Nex bp said:
“The Mona and Morgan joint venture's planned commitment to
Belfast Harbour is an important contribution to the
infrastructure which has the potential to drive the energy
transition.
“This highlights the power of collaboration in driving energy
security – the offshore wind industry can not only power millions
of homes with clean, homegrown energy but also support job
creation and local economic growth.
“Strategic investments in renewable energy could make a lasting
impact on both the environment and the economy.”
Chair of Belfast Harbour Commissioners Dr Theresa Donaldson
said:
“We were delighted to welcome the Secretary of State to Belfast
Harbour. Belfast is the only port on the island of Ireland
with offshore wind capabilities and we are delighted to work with
the Mona and Morgan projects. Together we are helping meet demand
for clean energy as Northern Ireland, Ireland and Great Britain
strive to reach net zero targets.
“As offshore wind technology evolves, ports will play an
increasingly central role and Belfast Harbour is uniquely placed
thanks to the combination of our existing facility, our
expertise, local supply chain and location to be a key enabler of
the power stations of the future in the Irish, Celtic and North
Seas.”
At COP 30 earlier this month, the Prime Minister met with global
leaders and businesses to reinforce the UK's commitment to
providing leadership on the world stage for global climate
action. The UK Government is supporting the drive for homegrown,
clean power.
