MHI Vestas (www.mhivestasoffshore.com) is to ‘re-purpose’ the Fawley power plant site in Hampshire, turning it into a ‘state of the art’ painting and logistics facility for its record-breaking wind-turbine blades.

This is the latest in a series of investments made by the company as part of its comprehensive UK industrialisation strategy.

The new
facility will complement MHI Vestas’ advanced manufacturing facility on the Isle of Wight, where the 80m blades are manufactured, and is a direct result of strong demand for its V164 offshore wind turbines.

MHI Vestas CEO Jens Tommerup said: “Our new paint and logistics shop at Fawley will improve our competitiveness world-wide and strengthen our UK industrial footprint.” The new facility is expected to begin operations in April and create up to 50 jobs.

Energy Minister Richard Harrington said: “This new facility in Fawley, developed by MHI Vestas, is a further sign of the growth of the offshore wind sector in the UK.

“Our Industrial Strategy and Clean Growth Strategy set out the opportunities for Britain in moving from fossil fuels to a cleaner future.

“This development is a fitting example, as it re-uses the site of a former oil-fired power station to produce parts for new clean wind farms.”