Thousands of jobs and billions of pounds are set to
flow into the North East, as the government accelerates
planning and regulatory approvals for a landmark clean energy
project on the River Tyne.
The government has appointed the Marine Management Organisation
(MMO) as Lead Environmental Regulator for the Port
of Tyne's proposed £175 million Clean Energy Park
development. MMO will act as a single point of contact to
coordinate joined-up advice from regulators
streamlining decision-making and minimising delays,
without compromising environmental standards.
The proposed new Clean Energy Park will breathe new
life into an underused 230-acre industrial site on the banks of
the River Tyne, adding 400 metres of new deep-water quayside
to create the necessary port infrastructure needed to
develop and maintain the North Sea offshore wind
sector. This will create up to 12,000 jobs for people in
the North East and contribute more than £5.6 billion to
the local and national economy, cementing the region's reputation
as the home of Britain's green energy revolution.
Environment Secretary said:
Port of Tyne Clean Energy Park is a win-win for growth and
nature. With the Marine Management Organisation as its Lead
Environmental Regulator, we can deliver more clean energy and
more jobs, while continuing to protect the environment.
The Environment Agency and Natural England will continue
as key advisors for the project, with the MMO
coordinating their input from the outset
to identify and resolve issues early and keep the
project on track. Transforming Britain into a clean energy
superpower is a fundamental pillar of the government's Plan for
Change.
North East Mayor, , said:
I want to double the number of green energy jobs in our region by
2035, so local people have great well-paid jobs on their
doorstep.
This new clean energy terminal Port of Tyne is bringing forward
is a brilliant step towards that goal creating thousands of jobs
and showing that we are the English home of green energy.
MMO Chief Executive Elysia McCaffrey said:
The Port of Tyne's proposed Clean Energy Park is a
fantastic example of how we can support sustainable economic
growth while maintaining our commitment to protecting the marine
environment.
MMO is proud to act as Lead Environmental Regulator and we will
help bring regulators together from the outset, providing clear,
coordinated advice that enables better and more
streamlined decision-making.
Port of Tyne CEO, Matt Beeton, said:
Today's announcement by the Chancellor marks another
major step forward for the new north-side port terminal at the
Tyne Clean Energy Park.
Having a Lead Environmental Regulator
will streamline the path to delivering this nationally
significant piece of infrastructure.
The terminal will feature 400 metres of new deep-water quayside,
supporting the UK's offshore renewables sector and advanced
manufacturing ambitions.
The announcement is another step forward in the government's
commitment to overhaul environmental regulation to drive economic
growth while protecting nature. Wider actions include simplifying
overly complex guidance and streamlining permitting processes,
alongside giving regulators a clear mandate to prioritise
outcomes over process to speed up decision-making. The results
are already showing, with environmental regulators
now meeting or exceeding key planning timeliness targets,
giving developers greater certainty and helping vital
infrastructure projects move faster. This is the eighth
addition to the Lead Environmental Regulator
programme, demonstrating a growing interest in the
programme, with more developers looking to join and use the
service.
