Boom time at Port of Tyne as 500 new jobs to be created in £923m renewable energy investment

MORE than 500 new, multi-generational jobs are set to be created at the Port of Tyne with hundreds more in the local supply chain as the region benefits from the burgeoning offshore renewables industry.

Close to a billion pounds could be invested in South Tyneside if LS Eco Advanced Cables Ltd. (LSEAC) – which today launched a five-week public consultation on their proposals to develop a high voltage cable production facility at the Port of Tyne – suceeds in its bid to make the port a green hub of the future.

While plans are at an early stage and still being finalised, total investment is expected to be approximately £923 million developing under-sea electricity transmission – designed to transport clean energy generated by offshore wind onto UK shores – which would put the North East at the heart of the UK’s clean energy transition.

The consultation runs from May 14th to June 18th and provides an opportunity for local communities, businesses and organisations to give their feedback on the proposed development before the final planning application is made to South Tyneside Council later this year.

The facility would lead to 500 direct jobs and a thousand more across the wider supply chain, including in high-skilled roles in engineering. 

Along with the North East Combined Authority and the Port of Tyne, LSEAC has pledged to work with the region’s schools, colleges and universities to provide training and re-training in the skills needed at the facility.

That would ensuring generation of North East people benefit from the huge employment opportunities which are projected to last for decades into the future.

Sangdon Lee, director at LS Eco Advanced Cables Ltd., said: “At a time when the UK is moving ever-more-quickly to decarbonise its energy supply, now more than ever there is a huge need for the infrastructure underpinning that transition.

“We’re delighted as a joint venture to be proposing this facility for a sub-sea cable development – but we must make it sure it works for the local community. 

“That’s why we deeply value the input of everyone in the area to this consultation and encourage people to share their views and shape the future of this project.”

North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, who was at the Port for announcement this morning, said: “We are leading the way to bring this incredible new facility to our region and with it thousands of new jobs. LS Eco Advanced Cables will truly establish North East England as the home of the green energy revolution while also supporting the nation’s drive for energy security. 

“It will create a new industrial icon – a symbol of our ambition on a global scale to compare with the Swan Hunter cranes that once overlooked the Tyne. 

“This is a hugely exciting project for the region and shows we are building for the future— that we are the home of green energy and open for business with the world.”

John McCabe, CEO of the North East Chamber of Commerce, echoed her comments saying: “This is a landmark opportunity for the North East – bringing local skilled, long-term jobs to our region and placing us at the heart of the global clean energy supply chain. Projects like this are key to delivering net zero while strengthening our economy for future generations.”

Meanwhile, Matt Beeton, CEO of the Port of Tyne, said:  “The proposed cable manufacturing facility is a huge generational employment opportunity for people in the North East and complements the region’s already impressive advanced manufacturing sector. 

“It demonstrates the ability of the region to attract significant international investors to support the clean energy transition, with the Port of Tyne at its heart.”

The proposal would see a state-of-the-art facility to manufacture deep-sea cables built on land within the Port of Tyne (South side, Tyne Dock). 

The industrial complex would include a series of buildings, including a manufacturing space, testing facilities and offices, situated around a 202-metre-tall tower where the cables would be stretched and sheathed before use.

To provide their feedback, members of the public are encouraged to visit the project’s website or attend one of two consultation events being held:

● Tuesday 27th May, 4.30 – 8.30 pm: One Trinity Green, Eldon St, South Shields NE33 1SA

● Wednesday 28th May, 4.30 – 8.30 pm: Cedarwood Trust, The Avenue, Avon Avenue, North Shields, NE29 7QT

Visit www.lseac-southtyneside.com to read more about the proposal, leave comments and find out about ways to discuss the facility with the project team.