At the cluster’s ‘Powering Up 2025’ event, the pair called for increased government support and committed to lobbying for greater government recognition of the region’s critical role in the renewable energy transition.
Chair Denise Hone reflected on the strong year the cluster had in 2024, wanting to build on this momentum for the coming year. Key focuses include Denise’s vision for legacy projects for the cluster, creating measurable impacts, having a louder and clearer voice and increase cluster representation across the entire Eastern region.
Vice-Chair Esmee Thornton highlighted the large project pipeline in the region and expressed a desire to create ‘international examples’ in the region, in areas of skills, supply chain and investments. Esmee recognised that whilst she may only be in her role of vice-chair for three years, the offshore wind projects in the region have a lifespan of over 30 years, so the legacy the cluster creates is critical.
To increase advocacy for the region, EastWind is launching a new lobbying group to amplify the cluster’s voice at the national level, addressing the lack of recognition in recent government announcements.
As a key region to the UK’s clean energy goals, East Anglia plays a critical role in delivering offshore wind projects, providing jobs, and supporting the national supply chain. However, challenges such as inadequate skills funding threaten this progress.
Future lobbying opportunities will focus on securing greater government support for skills investment, regional funding, and supply chain development, ensuring the region is given the recognition it deserves for its role in the energy transition.
The cluster saw significant growth last year, in terms of membership, growing to 232 members, and online, seeing over 800 new LinkedIn followers and over 135,000 impressions. The cluster grew their events presence, hosting four and averaging two events attended per month throughout the year, leading to engagement with over 25,000 members of the community.
Looking to increase its impact in 2025, the cluster’s priorities include enhancing the regional supply chain through a supply chain matrix, increasing visibility and connecting SMEs with developers and tier one suppliers. EastWind will continue to strengthen engagement with regular events, continuing to support the skills, supply chain and innovation working groups and increasing presence across regional business boards.
Image: Chair Denise Hone and Vice Chair Esmee Thornton
