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Wind turbine manufacture on Isle of Wight to begin in 2015

MHI Vestas Offshore Wind intends to start the production of blades at their technology centre on the Isle of Wight from the second quarter of 2015, in a boost for the UK’s wind turbine supply chain.

The announcement was made by energy secretary Ed Davey in his speech at RenewableUK’s annual conference today.

RenewableUK chief executive Maria McCaffery said: “This is great news for the Isle of Wight and UK, and demonstrates that there is a real opportunity to build a world-leading supply chain in the UK.”

The centre currently functions as a testing and verification centre for the development of blades, but the lease of the production hall from January next year could lead to serial manufacturing, a step described by MHI Vestas Offshore Wind CEO, Jens Tommerup, as: “The first stage of our industrial strategy here in the UK.”

This strategy is expected to result in £200 million worth of investment, provided that firm and unconditional offers are made to the joint venture for the purchase of turbines.