New Offshore Wind Factory Planned for Scotland

French energy company Areva has announced plans to build a new factory in Scotland to manufacture components for offshore wind farms. Although the exact location is still to be confirmed, the factory will make blades and nacelles for offshore wind turbines and would also act as a base for installing them in the North Sea. The factory would create up to 750 jobs as well as many more in the supply chain.

Areva’s move has been warmly welcomed by the British Government. Prime Minister David Cameron said that it is ‘brilliant news for Scotland (as)...Growth of the renewable energy sector isn't just good for our environment, it's good for our economy too.’ Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Edward Davey added: ‘With the biggest market in the world, a world-class skills base, and one of the best natural wind resources available anywhere, the UK is extremely well-placed to continue to lead the world in developing this technology.’

Wilding says: More good news for the Scottish renewables industry. As the ministers say, the area’s existing resources and skills base make it an obvious place for Areva to invest.

Source: DECC