Vestas opens blades production line for 15MW wind turbine in Italy

Danish manufacturer says expansion shows positive impact for energy transition and jobs 'when we see stable demand in market'

Mould for Vestas V236-15.0MW blade.
Mould for Vestas V236-15.0MW blade.Photo: Vestas
Vestas has inaugurated its blade production line for the V236-15.0MW wind turbine at its factory in Taranto, which in total will create 1,300 jobs in the southern Italian port town.

The plant in the past year has increased its workforce from 700 to over 1,600 employees, and to support the ramp-up of the production of the blade for the 15MW machine the company expects to reach 2,000 employees.

“The expansion showcases the positive impact we can drive for the energy transition and for job creation when we see stable demand in the market,” Kenneth Kaser, senior vice president for blade manufacturing in Vestas, said.

Blade for Vestas V236-15.0MW offshore wind turbinePhoto: Vestas
The Danish manufacturer has won 5GW in firm orders for the V236-15.0MW since it introduced the model to the market in early 2021.

Its 115.5-metre blades make up a swept area of 43,000 m2 and can generate 80GWh of clean energy per year, enough to power around 20,000 European households.

The company also produces blades for its 2 and 4MW onshore wind platforms at the Taranto site.

Taranto is also the location of Italy’s first and so far only offshore wind farm, Renexia’s 30MW Beleolico nearshore array that was erected with turbines from Chinese manufacturer Mingyang Smart Energy.
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Published 20 November 2024, 14:04Updated 20 November 2024, 14:04
EuropeItalyVestasOffshore wind