It’s four years since the first power was generated from East Anglia ONE, ScottishPower Renewables’ flagship wind farm off the Suffolk coast.
Each year, East Anglia ONE produces enough renewable energy to power the equivalent of more than 630,000 homes.
But what does it take to keep the wind farm operational?
Here we meet some of the people who work on East Anglia ONE and keep those turbines turning.
Terry Want, senior wind farm controller
Terry joined ScottishPower Renewables last month, having spent over 20 years as a technician in the gas industry.
His role as senior wind farm controller is “probably the most safety-critical position” within East Anglia ONE’s operations and maintenance team.
“On a daily basis, we have overall responsibility for the health, safety and wellbeing of all the maintenance technicians working on the wind farm – and are the first point of contact in the event of an emergency situation,” he said.
“We also have overall daily responsibility for the safe control, monitoring and operation of East Anglia ONE, a £2.5bn asset.”
Terry said there is no such thing as a “typical day” at work, especially when the weather is a key factor in his daily decision-making; ensuring works can be completed within “safe limits of operation” before maintenance teams set sail out to the wind farm.
Conor Saunders, balance of plant technician
As a balance of plant (BOP) technician, Conor supports the day-to-day operation and maintenance of East Anglia ONE’s offshore and onshore assets.
His role covers everything from fault-finding and troubleshooting to assisting with high-voltage switching, isolation and earthing.
Conor started his career as an apprentice at a subsea controls system company in the oil and gas industry – working his way up to become a test technician.
Conor said: “Offshore wind appealed to me as it’s clear that it can play a major part in the energy transition to net zero in the UK.
“Having lived in the east of England all my life, I’ve watched the area become a hub within the wind industry. I’ve always thought it’s a no brainer for me to get involved and apply everything I’ve learnt and experienced in the oil and gas industry.”
Jovita Beeston, junior balance of plant technician
Jovita is ScottishPower Renewables’ first-ever offshore apprentice and is about to assume a full-time role as a junior BOP technician.
She previously attended University Technical College Norfolk in Norwich, where she was first exposed to the wind industry.
“It was my personal interest and passion for the renewable sector, and knowing I’m making an impact, that led me to applying for the job. I love it.
“I also completed various training courses such as advanced first aid, working at heights and sea survival.”
Jovita added that “each day is different” on East Anglia ONE.
“Even if the same job is being carried out, there are always different issues that require solutions,” she said.
Steve Hodger, principal site manager
Steve has worked in and around the offshore industry for about 25 years. He held a health and safety role at another wind farm before joining ScottishPower Renewables, where he now has the role of principal site manager for East Anglia ONE.
“Personally, I oversee the operation and give direction to the teams that do the majority of hands-on, day-to-day running of the wind farm,” he said. “I look after the contracts and budgets and ensure the team can operate in a safe and effective manner.”
Steve is currently recruiting wind farm controllers, offshore high-voltage operations specialists and a warehouse coordinator for the East Anglia ONE team.
As somebody without a formal education himself, Steve looks forward to welcoming applications from people of all backgrounds.
“Some people believe that having no experience in offshore wind will hold them back – but a lot of skills are transferrable, so take a look at the opportunities we have available,” he said.
For more information, please visit scottishpower.com/pages/careers
This article is part of the EADT's Clean & Green campaign, which aims to promote our region as the biggest in the UK and Europe for all forms of renewable energy.
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