As world leaders gather in Türkiye for COP31, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and UK Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh have today welcomed SSE’s announcement that more than 2,600 UK jobs are expected to be supported following its selection of Siemens Energy as preferred supplier for offshore wind turbines and substations for Berwick Bank B.
The offshore wind investment would drive industrial growth across the north of England and Scotland, supporting skilled regional jobs and strengthening domestic supply chains as the UK invests in more homegrown energy. as preferred supplier for wind turbines and offshore substations for its Berwick Bank B offshore wind farm.
Skilled jobs across the UK
A total of 2,677 skilled manufacturing, engineering, project delivery and servicing roles are expected to be supported. This follows SSE's selection of Siemens Energy as preferred supplier for offshore wind turbines and substation platforms for its 1.4GW Berwick Bank B, due to be constructed in the outer Firth of Forth around 38km off the Scottish coast. The appointment remains subject to a final investment decision on the project by SSE and a final contract award.
As preferred supplier, Siemens Energy would draw on capabilities across its established UK operations, supporting 2,222 existing and project-based jobs in the north of England. These include roles in wind and grid technologies, spanning wind turbine blade manufacturing in Hull, engineering and project delivery in Manchester, and project delivery and assembly activities in Newcastle. A further 455 engineering, project delivery and servicing roles would be supported by Siemens Energy and SSE across central and northern Scotland.
This brings the total number of UK jobs announced by SSE to support Berwick Bank B to more than 3,000 so far, including almost 1,000 in Scotland.
The announcement has been welcomed by UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham with UK Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh ahead of attendance at the COP31 Leaders’ Summit in Türkiye.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham welcomes the investment and said:
'This major investment in UK renewables is a vote of confidence for building in Britain. And it is great news for billpayers because every turbine we put up is power under British control, not at the mercy of events on the other side of the world.
'With coastal communities from Scotland to East Anglia powering Britain’s future, the places that host this energy benefit from the jobs and opportunities that it brings.
'Our National Wealth Fund means that public investment is working alongside private capital to build homegrown energy and bring a return for the taxpayer. Because for me, a clean energy future is one that brings down bills.'
UK Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh on homegrown energy said:
'This is another vote of confidence in British homegrown, clean energy.
'Investment in offshore wind and clean power is creating quality jobs and rebuilding industry, while delivering the clean power we need to lower bills and reach net zero.
'As the world gathers at COP31, Britain is leading from the front as a renewable energy powerhouse, turning the fight against climate change into a brighter future for British companies, industrial communities, and future generations.'
New roles in Glasgow and Montrose
Of the 455 roles announced across Scotland with SSE and Siemens Energy, 130 are new jobs created. SSE has announced 200 engineering and project delivery roles in Glasgow, 80 of which would be newly created, while 255 would be delivery and servicing roles supported by Siemens Energy, including 50 newly created roles at Montrose Port.
Scottish Government Energy Minister Stephen Gethins will visit SSE’s Waterloo Street office in Glasgow city centre to unveil these new roles and meet members of the Berwick Bank team.
Scottish Energy Minister Stephen Gethins welcomes the jobs package, and said:
'I warmly welcome the news that SSE’s Berwick Bank B project will now support almost 1,000 jobs in Scotland, including the 130 new roles based in Glasgow and Montrose that have been announced today.
'As one of the world's largest planned offshore wind developments, Berwick Bank B underlines the scale of Scotland's renewable energy potential. From project delivery and engineering to long-term operations and maintenance, offshore wind is creating opportunities for people, businesses and communities across the country, and a more secure and more affordable energy future for Scotland and Europe.
'The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that Scotland's energy transition delivers lasting economic benefits, supporting high-quality employment, strengthening our supply chains and helping position Scotland as a global leader in offshore wind.'
Berwick Bank B’s wider economic opportunity
For SSE, the latest jobs package underlines the wider economic opportunity Berwick Bank B can deliver for the UK, supporting skilled employment, industrial capability and supply chains across the north of England and Scotland, alongside investment in more homegrown energy.
SSE Chief Executive Martin Pibworth said:
'Berwick Bank is a fantastic opportunity for the UK. And what’s really exciting is how far the benefits reach. Through our partnership with Siemens Energy, this one project can support thousands of high-quality jobs and industrial capability from Hull, Newcastle and Manchester to Glasgow and Montrose.
'That’s a brilliant story. Berwick Bank has the potential to become the world’s largest offshore wind farm, strengthening Britain’s energy security and backing the skills, factories and supply chains during its delivery that can help drive economic growth for years to come.
'With world leaders gathering at COP31 in Turkey, Berwick Bank is a pretty compelling example of what clean electrification can deliver in practice, right here at home.'
Siemens Energy’s investment in Scotland
Siemens Energy is strengthening its presence in Scotland with a new Glasgow office, which is expected to employ up to 150 people and support the company’s wider renewable energy, grid infrastructure and service activities across Scotland. The company is also investing in apprenticeships and training to help develop the skilled workforce needed for Scotland’s growing energy sector.
Darren Davidson, Managing Director, Siemens Energy UK &I said:
'Being selected as preferred supplier for Berwick Bank B brings together some of the very best of Siemens Energy's UK capabilities. From turbine blade manufacturing to engineering, project delivery and assembly across our sites in Hull, Manchester, Newcastle and Scotland, this project has the potential to draw upon the breadth of skills and experience we have developed across the UK.
'While the project remains subject to final approvals and contract award, we are proud to be working alongside SSE as it progresses this nationally significant development. Berwick Bank B can play an important role in strengthening the UK's energy security while supporting industrial capability and supply chains across the country.'
About the Berwick Bank offshore wind project
SSE’s 1.4GW Berwick Bank B project forms part of the wider 4.3GW Berwick Bank Offshore Wind Farm project. If built to its full capacity, Berwick Bank could become the world’s largest offshore wind farm on completion, capable of meeting more than 6% of current UK electricity demand and power almost 7 million homes annually.
Its delivery would strengthen the UK’s long-term energy security and help deliver more of the homegrown, affordable energy the country needs.
SSE is progressing Berwick Bank B towards a Final Investment Decision, expected late next year.
Subject to that decision, preparatory offshore construction works on Berwick Bank B could begin in 2028, with turbine and offshore substation installation beginning in 2030 and completing in 2032.
Source: SSE
