Siemens Gamesa to double size of wind turbine blade factory

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy has revealed plans to more than double the size of its offshore wind turbine blade factory in Hull.

The £186 million investment is expected to be completed in 2023 and create more than 200 new jobs.

“Since our offshore blade factory opened in Hull in 2016, Siemens Gamesa has proudly served as the catalyst for the powerful growth the area has seen,” said Marc Becker, chief executive of the Siemens Gamesa Offshore Business Unit.

“The rapid development of the offshore wind industry – and continued, strong, long-term support provided by the UK government for offshore wind – has enabled us to power ahead with confidence when making these plans. We’re committed to unlocking the potential of wind energy around the globe, with solutions from Hull playing a vital role.”

Siemens Gamesa said manufacturing at the plant, which has so far produced more than 1,500 wind turbine blades, will continue whilst the expansion takes place.

Meanwhile, GRI Renewable Industries has confirmed plans to invest £78 million in an offshore wind turbine tower factory at the Able Marine Energy Park in Hull, creating 260 new jobs.

Both investments are being supported with funding from the £160 million Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Support scheme established as part of the prime minister’s ten-point plan for a green industrial revolution.

Boris Johnson said: “The Humber region embodies the UK’s green industrial revolution, with new investment into developing the next generation of wind turbines set to create new jobs, export opportunities and clean power across the country.

“With less than a hundred days to go until the climate summit COP26, we need to see more countries embracing new technologies, building green industries and phasing out coal power for a sustainable future.

Business and energy secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “With its close proximity to some of the world’s largest offshore wind farms and strong skills base, the Humber region is vitally important for the growth of the British offshore wind industry and is at the heart of our green recovery.

“Our announcement backed by private investment will give a boost to this important industrial heartland, creating and supporting thousands of good quality jobs across the region while ensuring it is on the frontline of developing the next generation of offshore wind turbines.”

Renewable UK chief executive Dan McGrail commented: “These two key announcements are a massive boost for the Humber region and provide further proof that the UK’s cutting-edge offshore wind supply chain is scaling up at a terrific pace, creating job opportunities in coastal communities which need levelling up.”