Donald Trump invited to visit the Humber region after his 'get rid of windmills' call

US President Donald Trump has been invited to visit the Humber area to see the impact of the offshore wind energy industry in the region
-Credit:Getty Images


Donald Trump has been officially invited to learn about the impact of the offshore wind industry in the Humber region following his call to rid the North Sea of turbines.

In his first week back in The White House, regional organisations Humber Marine and Renewables and Humber Energy Board have jointly penned a letter to the 47th US President.

President Trump's views on a sector that is reshaping the maritime roles played by Hull and Grimsby have raised concerns among many in the industry, with thousands of jobs having been created to support the ever-growing capacity built out in the North Sea.

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The Humber region is host to a world-leading offshore wind operations and maintenance cluster, with the world's largest wind farms controlled from it. The huge turbine blade plant in Hull ensures the area plays a significant role in manufacturing as well.

As widely reported, one of President Trump's first social media posts of the new year ahead of his inauguration urged the UK to 'get rid of windmills' and open up the North Sea for oil and gas exploration. This came after a US firm announced its departure from the region due to the tax regime and escalating environmental regulations.

Now, back in the White House, and following his executive order to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, the President is being encouraged to deepen his understanding of the renewables industry, either in person or via his Ambassador to the UK, Jane Hartley, who has also been invited.

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Humber Marine & Renewables, a leading trade body, has extended an invitation to attend its Offshore Wind Connections 2025 event. The aim is to help President Trump understand the impact of the sector.

Humber Marine and Renewables and Humber Energy Board have jointly written to US President Donald Trump
Humber Marine and Renewables and Humber Energy Board have jointly written to US President Donald Trump -Credit:Fred Marketing/Submitted

The Humber Energy Board, which is working towards decarbonising the UK's most carbon-intensive region, has backed this formal offer.

Dave Laister, director of Humber Marine & Renewables, who initially responded to the President's comments in a BBC Look North interview, said: "The offshore wind industry has reinvigorated the Humber's maritime sector, bringing back a world-leading status last seen at the height of the distant water fishing fleets, now a distant memory.

"It has brought pride, economic opportunity and inspiration to a coastal area most in need and has also helped put wider decarbonisation of one of the most concentrated industrial clusters in the spotlight.

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"We want to explain the huge benefits these 'windmills' bring, and where better than at a conference where industry leaders unite."

Offshore Wind Connections 2025 will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Hull on April 30 and May 1. Mr Laister, PR and media director at Hull-based Fred Marketing, will host the event.