AC/DC or a Highway to Hull?

Hull, or Kingston Upon Hull, is a city that often falls off the radar nationally and internationally, even though, we think at HSEQ-360, that it has lots to recommend it. The road and rail network are good – the M62 ends there for example. There is a small regional airport in Humberside. It has one of the world’s most impressive suspension bridges, the Humber Bridge and a proud literary and engineering heritage. It even had its own telephone network, believe it or not?

There’s more too. 

Amy Johnson, the female aviator, came from Hull and the poets, if you know your Literature, Andrew Marvell, John Donne and Philip Larkin, all have connections with the city and university.

When his marriage collapsed, the poet famously penned:

“John Donne

Anne Donne

Undone” 

But news, other than poetry and aviation, caught our eye this week in connection with Hull.

And it’s do with wind turbines and Siemens. 

Siemens have announced plans for £186 million of upgrades to its factory in Alexandra Dock, Hull. 

At a time when there’s gloom with the likes of Honda permanently closing in Swindon, it’s very positive news for England and the green industry. Not only will 1000 roles be protected, but a further 200 jobs will be created as next-generation turbines are created in Hull.

They always say two buses often turn up when you need one and it’s great to read about a new £78 million wind turbine factory in Hull. This investment will create another 260 jobs, spearheaded by GRI Renewable Industries. 

We’re obviously delighted to hear such news. 

The turbines created by Siemens in Hull are of epic dimensions: each blade is 330 feet in length for example! They supply turbines to Hornsea Two, which will become the world’s largest offshore wind power plant, capable of supplying energy to 1.3 million homes. 

Clark MacFarlane, Siemens Gamesa’s UK managing director, said: “Our investment in our existing offshore blade factory, logistics, and harbour facilities in Hull has been a key driver of the growth of the UK’s world-leading offshore wind industry.”

What’s interesting too is that this year marks the 30th anniversary of Vindeby. This was the very first offshore wind power project of its kind, opening with 11 turbines in 1991. Now this wasn’t near Hull, as you probably know, but off the Danish island of Lolland, which ran for 25 years until it was decommissioned just 4 years ago. 

This was groundbreaking in its day as it turned public opinion into favouring wind power. It only powered 2000 to 3000 homes, a far cry from Hornsea Two’s capacity, but without Vindeby, Hornsea and others would probably never have existed. 

The decommissioning and history of Vindeby is well worth a watch too: 

 

We look forward to seeing similar explainer videos about Siemen’s expansion in Hull and its development of Hornsea Two.