Surge of energy jobs to hit the North East

Hundreds of jobs could be created across the region with plans for a host of energy projects in Northumberland, Tyneside and Teesside.

Plans have been approved to transform the former Blyth Power Station site into an enterprise zone. The project is being driven by Northumberland development company Arch and could create hundreds of jobs.

Once developed, the East Sleekburn Enterprise Zone is planned to become an employment hub for the marine, energy, oil and gas sectors.

Funding has been secured from Northumberland County Council, the North East Local Enterprise Partnership and the North East Combined Authority, and work is expected to start in autumn 2017.

Gateshead based energy consultancy, Northern Gas and Power, is set increase its workforce by more than 400% as it puts its multi-million pound expansion plans into action.

The growing business, which began in a two bedroom flat in South Tyneside, currently employs 90 people and is a specialist solutions provider for the gas and electricity markets. Finance director Chris Baty said: “With an exceptional turnover growth rate of 440% we are clearly one of the fastest growing companies in the North East. In 2016 we enjoyed another record year with £17m of contracts signed during the period.”

International business Smulders are to create hundreds of jobs through a contract to manufacture 11 foundations for Vattenfall’s European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre near Aberdeen Bay.

The contract will allow Smulders Projects to safeguard around 35 jobs at the former OGN site in Wallsend and create another 105 positions in the region. Up to 400 jobs could be created in the long term.

Port Clarence based, Wilton Engineering, are aiming to create over 100 jobs after securing a deal on the world’s largest offshore wind farm.

Wilton Engineering Services is working with Steelwind Nordenham to supply parts for Dong Energy’s Hornsea Project One.

The multi-million pound contract will see Wilton Engineering help Germany based Steelwind supply 20 transition pieces to the offshore wind project.

Bill Scott, Wilton chief executive, said: “This opportunity will see the creation of up to 150 jobs within Wilton and the local supply chain.”

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