Prospects for Offshore Wind Industry Remain High, Says RenewableUK

RenewableUK has expressed disappointment that Vestas will not be proceeding with plans to build a manufacturing facility in Sheerness, but stated the prospects for offshore wind manufacturing and employment in the UK remain high.

Maria McCaffery, CEO of RenewableUK stated: “Naturally we are disappointed with this decision, but as the world-leader in offshore wind, the UK remains an attractive place for manufacturers and members of the supply chain to have a base. This is why we’re seeing interest from a number of parties – just last week Areva announced their interest in a UK factory, subject to market certainty around Electricity Market Reform.

“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. The Energy Secretary recently described the wind industry as of “strategic national importance” and it is vital that all sectors of Government work together to secure the tens of thousands of jobs and billions of investment the UK is set to achieve in the next 5-10 years”.

RenewableUK welcomed Vestas’s reaffirmed commitment to the Isle of Wight Research and Development Facility.

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Offshore WIND staff, June 26, 2012; Image: Seajacks