Wind Energy Week: ‘It’s great to be part of such an exciting industry’

As we come to the end of Wind Energy Week 2024, colleagues from ScottishPower Renewables’ East Anglia ONE windfarm, which is located 43km off the Suffolk coast with an operations and maintenance base in Lowestoft, celebrate what the wind industry means for them and the local area.

Tommy Rudd, deputy site manager (Image: ScottishPower Renewables)

Tommy Rudd, deputy site manager, Lowestoft

Our East Anglia ONE offshore windfarm has played an important role in kickstarting a new lease of life for Lowestoft – rejuvenating an old fishing town into one of the major windfarm hubs in the world.

This doesn’t just give a sense of purpose and place for the town; it also creates future stability and opportunities that will support local people working in skilled and technical trades for years to come.

Building and producing the clean green energy that will power all our lives for the future, while supporting the skills development and transition that creates a positive and stable future, is why I love what I do.

This is an industry for people at every stage of their careers – from entry level to making the move from more traditional industries like oil and gas – and it’s genuinely changing lives. You can’t beat it.

Lewis Sarson-Pocock, warehouse co-ordinator (Image: ScottishPower Renewables)

Lewis Sarson-Pocock, warehouse co-ordinator, Lowestoft

The impact and importance of the wind industry can’t be underestimated. It creates jobs, boosts local economies, reduces carbon emissions and promotes sustainable energy independence.

To put it simply, it is the future and it’s amazing to be in a sector that is part of the global effort to combat climate change, promote cleaner renewable energy that makes the most of our natural resources and will help us electrify our lives.

It’s a rapidly growing field with innovative technologies and a strong focus on sustainability and purpose. It’s going to be around for a long time. In practice, that is meaningful work, growth opportunities and the chance to make a positive environmental impact.

I really enjoy contributing to environmental sustainability, being part of innovative solutions and working with like-minded individuals committed to a cleaner future. It’s great to be part of such an exciting industry.

Devon Mills, site administration (Image: ScottishPower Renewables)
Devon Mills, site administration, Lowestoft

Working in the wind industry is a rewarding career and knowing we are making a significant impact is really exciting. I enjoy being part of a dynamic and mission-driven team, whose main focus is to contribute to a sustainable future for everyone.

The renewables industry creates a real buzz in the local region, with the creation of new jobs and career opportunities, the provision of specialised education and training, all the while providing clean energy and supporting infrastructure development in the area.

One of the things I love is that the industry genuinely supports and encourages women’s participation – offering opportunities both offshore and onshore – and I see that across my team, as well as the wider industry, every day.

The opportunities for development, growth and innovation are endless and, regardless of what you’re doing now, your skill set is transferable and your unique perspective is valuable. Get involved if you can!

Jovita Beeston, balance of plan technician (Image: ScottishPower Renewables)
Jovita Beeston, balance of plan technician, Acle

I’m really lucky, as the wind industry has basically given me a career for life and the chance to work in a sector that is helping to tackle the biggest threat in the world – climate change.

I’ve absolutely loved getting to know the renewables industry, our East Anglia ONE windfarm, the team here in Lowestoft and being part of something that makes a difference for people’s lives every day.

I love the combination of the practical, hands-on element of engineering, mixed with the more analytical, problem-solving aspects of the job. Every day I go to work and feel like I’m part of the solution, and that’s incredibly rewarding.

I’m also really proud, along with my colleagues, to demonstrate a clear pathway for other women to work in this great green industry with a front row seat to the production of the clean energy we need for a zero-carbon future!