The shift to onshore blade production aligns with the government’s recent decision to lift the de facto onshore wind ban in England. Credit: Trygve Finkelsen/Shutterstock.

Vestas has announced plans to repurpose its Isle of Wight factory in the UK to manufacture onshore blades, following an agreement in principle with the UK government.

The factory, which has been integral in producing turbine blades for global wind projects since 2002, will shift focus from offshore to onshore blade production.

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The decision comes as demand for the V174 offshore turbine blades, currently manufactured at the site, is declining.

Site constraints make the location unsuitable for the next generation of offshore blades. Vestas aims to support the UK market by meeting the increased demand for onshore wind energy.

The shift to onshore blade production aligns with the UK government’s recent decision to lift the de facto onshore wind ban in England and emphasises building domestic supply chains.

Vestas Group chief technology operations officer Anders Nielsen stated: “We have invested in jobs and manufacturing activities on the Isle of Wight for more than two decades, and we have great pride in the technical expertise that has been developed at the site.

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“We are pleased that this partnership in principle with the UK government means we can continue manufacturing activities at the Isle of Wight to support the deployment of onshore wind in the UK. The commitment to domestic manufacturing and clean energy from the new government and Secretary of State has been instrumental in making this decision.

“My sincere gratitude goes to everyone working for us on the Isle of Wight, for their significant contribution to wind energy, and we are pleased to be retaining, and offering a significant number of opportunities for our impacted colleagues during this process.”

The Isle of Wight facility employs 600 people across manufacturing, logistics and support functions.

The transition will sustain 300 manufacturing jobs, with additional opportunities in other parts of Vestas’ business, including roles supporting UK operations and other factories.

Vestas’ technology activities on the island, employing 140 people, will remain unaffected and it will continue as a centre of excellence for blade research, design and development.

The company will enter a consultation process with employee representatives, aiming for clarity by January 2025.