With the world’s second largest offshore wind farm being constructed 200 miles off the Norfolk coast and the return of nuclear power to sites in Essex and Suffolk, industry experts believe the developments could provide up to 48,000 new jobs in the next ten years.

Council leaders from Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk were in Harwich on Wednesday to sign a memorandum of understanding stating their commitment to make sure East Anglia’s “Energy Coast” delivers jobs for the region.

Peter Martin, Leader of Essex County Council said: “The East of England sits at the centre of the UK’s energy industry. “The commitment will mean all three counties are able to maximise opportunities that will come about from the ongoing production and distribution of gas and one of the world’s largest planned offshore wind zones.”