Local businesses could benefit from £25m eco windfall if power plan gets go ahead
BUSINESSES in Lincolnshire could benefit to the tune of at least £25 million if plans for a huge offshore wind farm go ahead.
Consultations are about to begin to find a suitable site for the onshore substation into which turbines at Triton Knoll, off the coast of Mablethorpe would connect.
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And managers say that construction work on that aspect alone could mean bumper contracts for local companies, with future potential for firms to claim a larger slice of the £3.6 billion project.
Triton Knoll project manager Jacob Hain said there was no reason contracts wouldn't be awarded to Lincolnshire firms.
"The onshore electricity system, including the substation and cabling would cost approximately £100 million," he said.
"And all of the 'civils' work, costing around £25 million, could potentially be done by Lincolnshire contractors.
"As an organisation we do look to place contracts locally wherever we can."
Councillor Eddy Poll, executive member for economic development at Lincolnshire County Council, said the authority welcomed this type of project.
"Lincolnshire County Council is in favour of renewable energy and the associated local jobs that it could bring," he said.
"However, the location of turbines, pylons and sub-stations need to be considered carefully."
5 Comments
by Mr Sneer, Derision on the Wold
Friday, July 23 2010, 9:30AM
“They may well be elegant but they're also crap. Hydro turbines and nuclear power are the way to go, rather than these inefficient and unreliable wastes of space.”
by lynn, lincoln
Thursday, July 22 2010, 6:55PM
“Ian - I agree, they are very, very, elegant and certainly not a blot on the landscape.”
by Nick, Lincoln
Thursday, July 22 2010, 5:12PM
“Apparently Hydro Turbines are far cheaper, more economical and are virtually hidden from view.”
by Ian_Bower, Lincoln
Thursday, July 22 2010, 4:09PM
“I really do think that wind turbines are very sculptural and elegant.
Lovely.”
by Mushroom, Newport
Thursday, July 22 2010, 3:36PM
“The way in which the developers have put some spin on this story beggars beleif.
Local firms?
Not likely really: Just like any other large contract, the construction will go out to tender. There are strict rules which allow overseas companies to compete on a level playing field.
Local jobs?
There is absolutely nothing to stop overseas contractors doing the job just like they did at Staythorpe power station”