TOURISM and the energy sector will play a pivotal role in boosting Waveney’s economic fortunes next year.

Although concerns continue to mount over the sluggish economic climate, it is hoped centenary celebrations of composer Benjamin Britten will help ensnare new visitors to Lowestoft and Southwold and add another dimension to the district’s tourism offering.

Meanwhile, the emergence of two heavyweight energy projects at the tail end of this year have fuelled fresh hopes that Waveney firms can benefit from more supply chain work in nuclear and renewable energy.

An announcement in mid-December revealed the East Anglia ONE windfarm scheme could bring a �500m boost to the local economy.

Operators Vattenfall and ScottishPower Renewables will begin sourcing the supply chain in the new year as they gear up to start constructing 325 offshore wind turbines in the North Sea by 2018, if granted planning approval.

Elsewhere in Suffolk, businesses have also been urged to sign up to a supply chain of work for the construction of the new Sizewell C power station after EDF revealed proposed plans for the new site in November. It is hoped businesses in Waveney and across Suffolk can mirror enterprises in Somerset which have already seized �25m in trade from the soon-to-be-built Hinkley Point nuclear power station.

Waveney MP Peter Aldous said firms needed to seize energy sector opportunities to help the district prosper.

“I think the energy sector does provide a significant opportunity for Waveney because of our location and because we have a good skills base and supply chain built up over many years,” he said.