The North East is estimated to benefit to the tune of £62m thanks to its role in the construction and operation of a major new wind farm in the North Sea.
German energy giant RWE commissioned a study into the impact of its flagship Sofia Offshore Wind Farm, which suggests the region will also see 490 full-time equivalent job-years during the £6bn, 1.4 gigwatt project's development and construction in the Dogger Bank zone of the North Sea. The report from Wavehill Social and Economic Research identifies the Port of Blyth, Port of Tyne and Teesport as key hubs for the wind farm's construction.
Wavehill is said to have looked at investments made during the development and construction phases of the wind farm and estimates that overall, Sofia will have generate about £760m in gross value added to the Ƶ economy and supporting 8,810 full-time equivalent person-years of employment. It equates to up to 2,000 direct and indirect jobs during peak construction and more than 80 long term jobs over the 25-years lifespan of the site.
RWE says it has also made efforts to build skills relevant to the project through engagement with schools. It says it has so far reached more than 12,700 students from primary school to university level to promote STEM careers. Its Champions for Wind programme gives school teachers knowledge of the industry.
In the North East the energy firm has sponsored the Energy Central Learning Hub and also runs an apprenticeship programme to train future wind turbine technicians and engineers.
Meanwhile the Sofia Offshore Wind Construction Fund provides up to £150,000 in grants to charities and community groups near the project. Beneficiaries so far have included renovations at Marske Community Centre and a countryside festival led by Tees Valley Wildlife Trust. The funded projects are selected according to RWE's core values of improving community health, tackling loneliness and poverty and environmental sustainability.
Tom Glover, Ƶ country chair, RWE: "Offshore wind is not just about delivering clean power—it’s about creating a ripple effect of positive change. The Sofia Offshore Wind Farm project demonstrates how renewable energy can boost economic growth, support the supply chain, and bring lasting benefits to local communities. By investing in skills, infrastructure, and community initiatives, we are ensuring that offshore wind delivers for the Ƶ both today and in the future.”
Earlier this year, a key milestone in the construction of Sofia was reached with more than a quarter of the site's foundations put in place. Much of the equipment for the huge development has been based at Port of Tyne's 200-acre Clean Energy Park, from which Dutch contractor Van Oord is staging operations.
