Vestas Launches New Blade Production Line in Italy to Propel Offshore Wind Expansion
Nov 23
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Denmark's wind energy giant, Vestas, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art blade production line for its V236-15.0 MW offshore wind turbine at its facility in Taranto, Italy. The new line is a significant milestone in the company's global offshore wind expansion strategy, marking both a technological and economic achievement.
1,300 New Jobs and Europe’s Renewable Push
The production line is set to create 1,300 additional manufacturing jobs, bolstering the local economy and enhancing Europe’s green energy capabilities. "We are proud to further invest in our European footprint. This expansion showcases the positive impact we can drive for the energy transition and job creation when we see stable demand in the market," stated Kenneth Kaser, Senior Vice President, Blades Manufacturing at Vestas.
World Record-Breaking Turbine
The V236-15.0 MW wind turbine prototype, installed at Denmark’s Østerild National Test Centre in December 2022, has already made headlines. In August 2023, it set a world record by generating 363 MWh of power in 24 hours, demonstrating its potential to revolutionize the offshore wind industry.
Global Expansion and Upcoming Projects
Building on this momentum, Vestas is preparing to roll out its V236-15.0 MW turbines for offshore projects in Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands, among other countries. Installation of the first turbines is expected to commence next year.
Additionally, Vestas is strengthening its production capabilities with a new blade manufacturing plant in Szczecin, Poland, slated to begin operations in 2026. This facility will generate more than 1,000 jobs, reinforcing the company’s commitment to fostering green energy jobs.
Transforming Offshore Wind Energy
Vestas' investments in Italy and Poland underscore the growing demand for renewable energy solutions and the role of offshore wind in global energy transitions. The V236-15.0 MW turbine, with its cutting-edge design and record-breaking capabilities, is poised to drive significant advancements in sustainable power generation.