Hendry served as Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change until the summer of 2012 and before that as Shadow Energy Minister.

Forewind general manager, Lee Clarke, said: “As a widely respected former energy minister he brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and experience in the renewable energy sector which will no doubt be invaluable as he helps to guide our development.”

The company joined forces to bid for the Dogger Bank Zone Development Agreement project as part of The Crown Estate’s third licence round for UK offshore wind farms.

The project will involve the construction and development of The Dogger Bank Zone in the North Sea, located between 125 and 290 km off the east coast of Yorkshire.

Hendry said: “Forewind and the Dogger Bank project are at the leading edge of Britain’s growing offshore wind industry. It is the most ambitious offshore wind project in the world and will help make the UK the undisputed global leader in the technology.

“It is a privilege to be involved in such a world-class project. I look forward to being part of a team that represents such a high level of innovation, responsible energy production, and potential jobs creation. I truly believe that offshore wind will play a significant role in Britain’s future energy supply.”

Forewind’s previous chairman, the Rt Hon. John Gummer, Lord Deben, resigned in September 2012 following his appointment as the new chairman of the government’s climate change advisory body, Committee on Climate Change (CCC).

Leigh Stringer

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