South Korea’s SeAH Wind’s proposal to build offshore wind turbine foundation factory at Teesside’s Freeport in UK has secured planning approval.
Once complete, the £300m factory will see production of 120m-long monopiles. Weighing 3,000 tonnes, the monopolies will be used to support offshore wind turbines.
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The 1.13 million ft2 factory will have the capacity to produce between 100 and 150 monopiles annually.
The factory, which will come up on a 90-acre site, will have an energy-efficient design.
Construction work is set to start in July and expected to be completed in 2024.
K2 Consultancy has been roped in as project manager, construction manager and cost consultant.
The project is expected to generate 1,500 supply chain and construction jobs, and additional 750 jobs once the factory is operational.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This is a fantastic step forward for SeAH Wind’s game-changing scheme.
“2022 is our year of construction there’s nothing holding back plans for this mammoth facility, helping drive forward the cleaner, safer and healthier industries of the future.”
“SeAH Wind has engaged with almost 200 local supply chain companies, detailing how they can get on board use our expertise and know-how to make its facility a reality,” Houchen added.
Apart from the monopile manufacturing building, the project will also include an administration office, maintenance station, power stations along with staff welfare facilities.
While Ashton Smith Associates will serve as the project’s architects, Clarkebond will play their role as civil, structural and geo-environmental engineers. Waterman Group has been appointed as building services engineer.
Waterman Building Services – North managing director Jonathan Purcell said: “SeAH Wind’s sustainable manufacturing facility will help secure the north-east’s position as an alternative energy powerhouse, whilst providing an employment boost to the local region.”
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Image: The factory, which will come up on a 90-acre site, will have an energy-efficient design. Credit: SeAH/Tees Valley Combined Authority.
