Thursday 22 January 2015

Blade factory “marks start of Hull wind industry”

Building began at a new wind turbine factory in Hull today.

Energy Secretary Ed Davey was on hand to break ground at Hull's Alexandra Dock, when he claimed it "marks the beginning of a new industry based here and exporting worldwide.”

Engineering firm Siemens will make blades for wind turbines in the new factory which is on the site of a former coal port. With its partner, Associated British Ports, is investing £310 million in the development.

Some blades from the factory will be used at the Dudgeon offshore wind farm on the Norfolk coast owned by Statoil, Statkraft and Masdar.

Michael Hannibal, Siemens Offshore CEO said: "We are also pleased to be able to announce so far in advance the destination of the first turbines to be shipped from Hull.

"The UK offshore wind market has seen strong growth, with even greater future potential. By 2020, 14 gigawatts of wind power capacity is to be installed in UK waters.”