Vestas has announced that further development of a new facility at the Port of Sheerness in the south-east of England is to be shelved as the wind sector calls for clarity on Government subsidy programs.
In a website statement, Vestas and the Port of Sheerness announced the decision to scrap plans for the facility in Kent. The company had planned to develop it’s largest offshore turbine at the plant which would have created 2,000 new jobs.
Vestas didn’t give a reason for its decision and said it couldn’t comment further because of “legal obligations.” The announcement is a real blow for UK efforts to attract the largest turbine makers as it seeks to build 18 gigawatts of offshore turbines by 2020
Vestas still say that this decision will not affect their commitment to offshore wind projects in the UK.
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 company has a strong presence in the UK, including the newly upgraded test facilities on the Isle of Wight that undertakes research and development into all aspects of wind turbine technology. The facility on the Isle of Wight will build and test the first components for Vestas’ new offshore dedicated turbine the V164-7.0 MW, including its 80 metre long blades. Vestas is also working on the development and construction of a number of key wind projects, both onshore and offshore, with UK customers.