New turbine research base planned

A Danish renewable energy firm is planning to open a new research and development base on the Isle of Wight.

Vestas Wind Systems has proposed a new wind turbine blade technology centre at its manufacturing plant on the island.

The centre will allow the firm to locate its engineering team in specialist facilities for creating prototype blades and is expected to open in the first half of 2010.

Finn Strom Madsen, president of Vestas technology research and development, commented: "Vestas is very committed to the UK market and has been present from the very start of wind energy in Great Britain.

In addition, the company also revealed its plans to shift production at its Isle of Wight base to create more turbine blades, to be used in the UK's renewable energy programme.

John Hutton, the energy secretary, applauded Vestas for recognising the investment opportunity and suggested the Isle of Wight could become a "major hub for innovation and the manufacture of blades".

Earlier this year, the firm sponsored a contender for the world's fastest boat competition.

The Vestas SailRocket, which was developed at the Isle of Wight plant, was described as using a "unique concept of geometric balance" by its designer, Malcolm Barnsley.