Manufacturer to fuel 600 jobs with major expansion
Energy equipment provider GE Vernova is expecting to generate 600 jobs through an expansion of its manufacturing facilities in Stafford.
The expansion aims to support the fast-growing demand for High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission systems that will help power renewable energy projects throughout Europe, Asia and North America while supporting the UK’s energy transition.
Around 600 jobs are expected to be created from 2023 to the end of 2025, including hundreds of engineers and skilled craftsmen to support the assembly and testing of the valves.
Two GE Verona sites in Stafford will undergo significant upgrades to boost capacity, with the Redhill HVDC site anticipated to double its valve manufacturing capacity and the Transformer facility set to increase production of HVDC converter transformers, which are critical for integrating renewable energy into the grid.
This expansion marks GE Vernova’s second major round of investment in its Stafford site. In 2018, the company constructed one of the world’s most advanced HVDC valve test facilities and a control system testing facility, which now supports large-scale testing and validation of HVDC systems for projects across Europe and beyond.
GE Vernova has 120 years of experience in the UK, with more than 30% of the UK’s electricity generation through its equipment. Outside of Stafford, GE Vernova runs another major manufacturing facility in Rugby.
Philippe Piron, CEO of GE Vernova’s Electrification Systems business said: “Helping our customers deliver sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy to people worldwide is central to GE Vernova’s mission.
“By expanding our Stafford operations, we are strengthening our ability to support the energy transition in the UK and the rest of the world and creating new jobs as a result.”
GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions business recently signed an agreement to supply HVDC systems for five of TenneT’s offshore wind projects. These projects are part of the Dutch-German Transmission System Operator’s goal to connect 40 GW of offshore wind farms to the high voltage grids in the Netherlands and Germany. The valves and the transformers technology for these projects are planned to be manufactured at the Stafford facilities.