- 12 January 2025
Wavehill Social and Economic Research present findings into Sofia project
- Project creates £760m of value for UK economy, including £181m for Yorkshire and Humber and £62m for the North East
- Creating thousands of high quality jobs and supporting UK supply chains during development and construction
- Supporting local communities with grants, and outreach to over 12,700 students, promoting renewable energy careers
RWE has published an independent report into the socio-economic impacts of the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm. The development, construction, and operation of this flagship offshore wind project amounts to a multi-billion pound investment. RWE commissioned Wavehill Social and Economic Research to evaluate the economic and employment outcomes of the project.
The report's key findings detail the positive contributions that the project has already made to local and national economies, as well as beneficial support for communities and sustainability initiatives. It draws on investments made during the development and construction phases or already committed, and considers their impacts on a local and national level.
The report estimates that during development and construction, Sofia will generate around £760 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy, supporting 8,810 full-time equivalent (FTE) person-years of employment, of which 1,600 FTE person-years for Yorkshire and Humber and 490 for the North East. This equates to up to 2,000 direct and indirect jobs during peak construction, and over 80 long term, high skilled and mostly locally-based roles to support the project during its more than 25 years operations.
Project investments are also creating a lasting legacy through an extensive outreach and engagement program, by helping to establish a pool of skills and specialisms that would serve the broader industry in the future. So far, the project has reached over 12,700 learners from primary schools to universities, to promote STEM career pathways. Its Champions for Wind program has equipped local school-teachers with knowledge of jobs and skills required to be successful in the industry, that can be passed on to future student generations. RWE has also sponsored the Energy Central Learning Hub in Blyth in support of its educational outreach work, and has a successful apprenticeship program to train future wind turbine technicians and engineers.
Locally, the study considers investment in community initiatives which have a positive impact on the region’s economy. The Sofia Construction Community Fund has already supported 23 local charities and projects that address social isolation, poverty, and sustainability. Other initiatives range from coastal clean-ups and community centre renovations to mental health support programs. The Sofia project has recently announced a new round of funding for North Sea Conservation, a charity which is working to significantly increase stocks of lobster in the North Sea, to improve the sustainability of the region’s marine industry and ecosystem.
The full report and infographic summary can be downloaded from our publications page, where you can also browse recent newsletters and other project documentation.
