An Australian delegation has toured Grimsby’s offshore wind infrastructure, underling the esteem in which it is now held globally.
Environmental organisation Climate Council, with officials and journalists, have taken in the facilities, meeting with the local authority and the largest inward investor, Orsted.
It comes on the back of a spectacular period of activity, with operations launched on Hornsea One, soon to be the world’s largest offshore wind farm when further built out and the Humber’s claim to become the perfect pilot for the Government’s Net Zero 2050 ambition.
With offshore wind playing a key role, together with carbon capture and storage, the Energy Estuary is aiming to have reached the goal by 2040.
Emma Toulson, lead stakeholder advisor at Orsted 海角视频, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the Climate Council delegation from Australia. Once again, we’re able to showcase Grimsby’s incredible offshore wind story on an international stage, as well as highlighting the widespread benefits renewable energy brings to the region. We hope that they are able to take some valuable learnings away with them and help continue to spread the message on the importance of building a world that runs entirely on green energy.”
New North East Lincolnshire Council leader Philip Jackson and chief executive Rob Walsh met the delegation too, with the visit understood to have been triggered by the Winds of Change video featuring Mr Walsh and other stakeholders in the sector.
He described how the visit underlined the changing take on what Grimsby was about.
“This is all because of offshore wind and renewable energy - a story that has catalysed a complete re-framing of the external perceptions of our great place,” Mr Walsh said.
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Cllr Jackson added: “We were delighted to be involved in the Climate Council of Australia’s visit to our patch. In the last few years, we’ve done some remarkable work, particularly around working with the renewables industries and supporting their development in the area, and that’s paid dividends in terms of our profile in the sector.”
It came as the Humber Renewables Awards were held last night, recognising all that is good in the Humber. Miss Toulson was recognised as Humber Renewables Champion to a standing ovation at Country Park Inn, Hessle.
Climate Control beings together Australia’s leading climate scientists, health, renewable energy and policy experts, as well as a team of staff, and a huge community of volunteers and supporters. It acts as an independent voice on climate change, producing reports, calling out misinformation and promoting climate solutions such as the transition to renewables.
It claims that if Australia adopted existing global standards on energy efficiency, the nation could significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions, save $7.7b a year in bills and create 70,000 extra jobs.