Friday 22 June 2012

Vestas dumps UK offshore wind factory plan

Danish wind manufacturer Vestas is dropping plans for a wind turbine factory on the Kent coast.

The firm had a 12-month option to develop a site at the Port of Sheerness but has decided not to renew it.

Vestas said it is still committed to the UK wind market.

Juan Araluce, Chief Sales Officer at Vestas Wind Systems (pictured) said: “Vestas’ strong commitment to the development of both the offshore and onshore wind industries is not affected by this decision. We will remain active across the two markets in the UK as they both continue to show considerable potential.”

The port’s owners said they were “extremely disappointed” with the decision.

Mark Whitworth Peel Ports Chief Executive said: “We are extremely disappointed that we have been unable to conclude the agreement with Vestas. However, we remain fully committed to the strategy outlined for the Port of Sheerness of attracting major renewables manufacturers to complement our valued heritage business within the significant footprint of the Port.”

UK trade body RenewableUK was similarly downbeat about the news – but said support for the technology was still strong.

Maria McCaffery, CEO of RenewableUK said:  “Naturally we are disappointed with this decision but as the world-leader in offshore wind, theUKremains an attractive place for manufacturers and members of the supply chain to have a base.

“Investors in both projects and employment are poised to follow through on pledges  but delivery on green jobs needs certainty and confidence in the market with clarity on implementation arrangements and timescales.”