- Major wind factory set
for Scotland creating 500 skilled jobs through drive
for clean, homegrown power
- Innovative new approach of discounted power on
windy days in areas where wind farms are paid to switch off to
avoid ‘wasted
wind', predominantly benefiting Scotland
- Government securing long-term energy security for Scotland
that will protect households against volatile fossil fuel markets
Scotland will benefit from new clean energy jobs and
lower bills through the government's drive for clean, homegrown
power.
Today (Wednesday 25 March) energy firm Vestas have
revealed plans for a major wind factory in
Scotland, creating up to 500 skilled jobs in
a major vote of confidence in the UK government's mission to
deliver clean power by 2030.
The factory, which will produce nacelles and hubs
- a major component in building a wind
turbine - has been made possible following the
government's record-breaking offshore wind auction – AR7 – which secured a record
8.4 GW of new offshore wind,
ushering in Britain's new era of energy independence and
abundance.
Plans unveiled by Vestas, that are conditional to further order
intake from AR7 and
AR8, follows the
launch of a new UK government innovative trial,
predominantly benefiting Scotland and launching in time for this
winter, enabling energy companies to offer discounted energy
bills to customers on windy days, rather than continuing the
previous default practice of paying wind turbines to turn off.
The conflict in the Middle East has once again exposed that
families and businesses will continue to pay the price if the UK
is dependent on fossil fuel markets that the
UK does not control. The only way to take back
control of Britain's energy and bring down bills for good is with
clean, homegrown power. Today's announcements provide a boost to
Scottish families, delivering jobs, energy security and
lower bills this winter.
Energy Secretary said
The government's clean energy mission is
delivering good industrial jobs for Scottish
workers - boosting growth as part of our drive to give
the UK energy security. This is happening because of the
government's record-breaking offshore wind auction and the
confidence our mission has given industry to invest in Scotland.
We will not stop in driving to create many more jobs like these
for Scotland and the UK.
Secretary of State for Scotland said:
At a time when domestic energy security is at the forefront of
everyone's minds, I very much welcome this investment by Vestas
in Scotland. As well as creating hundreds of skilled
jobs, bringing manufacturing to Scotland will strengthen our
domestic supply chain and contribute to our energy security.
Henrik Andersen, CEO
Vestas, said:
The UK government has made a big statement with AR7, showcasing how wind
energy creates a positive impact on energy security,
sustainability, and affordability for end consumers. We welcome
the UK and Scottish governments' dedication to fostering a
competitive offshore wind market and look forward to working
together to progress our co-investment plans. Establishing a
nacelle and hub assembly factory in Scotland would create
hundreds of local jobs and support further jobs across the wider
supply chain, delivering long‑lasting economic benefits to the
region.
