A ‘state of emergency’ has been declared by the region’s energy leaders, who fear costly delays to projects including new offshore wind farms, Sizewell C and Bacton Gas Terminal if the industry cannot recruit more skilled workers.

The east of England will need more than 6,500 extra offshore wind workers - growing its workforce from 3,600 to more than 11,100 - to meet the government’s 2030 clean power target, according to a report by EastWind Offshore Cluster and Opergy.

READ MORE: Government accused of 'ignoring region' with jobs and billions in investment at risk

The taskforce has been set up by the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) and will aim to recruit qualified university and college leavers, as well as targeting thousands of ex-members of the armed forces.

Kevin Keable, chairman of the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) (Image: EEEGR) Kevin Keable, chairman of EEEGR, said: “When the energy sector is crying out for........

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