Vestas given go ahead for Kent offshore turbine factory

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Vestas given go ahead for Kent offshore turbine factory

Posted at May 31, 2012 » By : admin » Categories : News » Comments Off

Danish turbine manufacturer Vestas has apparently been given the go ahead for its planned factory at Sheerness in Kent.

According to news reports, the company’s planning application for the turbine factory has been approved by Swale Borough Council and now moves on the government for a final decision.

Vestas announced the plans for a new facility last year but has since been beset by poor financial results leading to a major reorganisation and the cutting of over 2000 jobs around the world.

If it does go ahead as planned, the facility in Kent would manufacture Vestas’ planned 7 MW offshore wind turbine and serve as a centre for installations under the UK’s Round 3 development.

The plant would create around 2000 jobs during the construction and operation of the facility, but it is not clear whether Vestas has secured enough orders from developers or believes it has the necessary government support to proceed.

Meanwhile, though, Vestas has signed a deal with methanol producer Methanex to collaborate on a wind development in Chile and beyond.

Methanex invested in Vestas’ technology two years ago for its 38.5 MW Cabo Negro Wind Power Plant in Magallanes and the new agreement secures future development between the two.

Vestas will support and advise Methanex on wind projects around the world and help it build renewable energy in the Magallanes region.

“Producing methanol is an energy intensive process. With the Cabo Negro wind project, Methanex has shown both their creativity in finding a business model that reduces its consumption of natural gas and their commitment to act in an environmentally responsible manner,” explained Morten Albæk, Vestas’ global senior vice president.

For further information:
www.vestas.com
www.methanex.com

Article source: http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/i/5148/