World’s biggest wind turbine blades made in UK
Clipper Windpower confirmed it is to start construction of a factory in Newcastle, Shepherd Offshore Renewable Energy Park in Walker, to build the biggest wind turbine blades in the world.
The UK Prime Minister hailed the country as a 'global leader' in the offshore wind market at the announcement of the £8m funding for the latest technology development. The project will employ up to 500 people by 2020 to manufacture blades for the massive 10 megawatt ‘Britannia’ offshore wind turbine.
Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband, commented:
“Government support can help make the difference between Britain leading in the new offshore wind industry or simply being a follower. The UK already has more offshore wind installed than any other country in the world and our plan is to build on that position."
The UK Govenment is committed to keeping the UK the leader in offshore wind. This latest funding is in addition to the £18 million already invested as well as the recent decision to issue rights for 32 gigwatts of capacity; the biggest expansion of offshore wind of any country in the world. The £18 million grant funding was awarded between:
- Siemens – to develop a new power convertor for their next generation offshore turbine.
- Vestas – to design and develop advanced manufacturing processes, testing and certification for a large multi-megawatt offshore blade.
- Clipper – to develop their 72m offshore blade for a 10MW offshore turbine and to develop a new gearbox design for use in 10MW offshore turbines.
- Artemis – to develop a new hydraulic transmission system for larger offshore turbines.
- Mitsubishi– to develop design and supply chain capability for a new design of offshore turbine.
- Burntisland Fabrications– to develop advanced manufacturing for a jacket foundation.
- Teeside Alliance Group – to develop advanced manufacturing processes for monopile foundations.
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