The UK government has awarded a £20 million grant to support continued operations at Vestas’ wind turbine blade factory on the Isle of Wight, as the Danish manufacturer transitions the site from offshore to onshore blade production.
The Newport facility, which has operated on the island for more than two decades, will become a manufacturing base for onshore turbine blades after demand for Vestas’ V174 offshore model slowed and logistical constraints limited the plant’s suitability for next-generation offshore blades.
The factory had employed around 600 people and faced potential closure. Vestas and the UK government agreed in late 2024 to repurpose the site to serve the domestic onshore wind market, retaining about 300 roles.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said the funding “delivers on that agreement” and will “secure the future of the factory”.
“Securing the long-term viability of the site is a major boost for the government’s clean power by 2030 mission, with the Isle of Wight now also firmly anchored into Britain’s modern industrial strategy,” the department said.
Vestas senior vice president for blades manufacturing Ken Kaser said the company welcomed the support.
“Vestas and the Isle of Wight have a long, proud history of manufacturing world class wind turbine blades,” Kaser said.
“We are delighted to partner with government on actions and policy that supports skilled jobs, strengthens the UK’s supply chain, and positions the site at the heart of the country’s clean energy sector’s future,” he added.
UK climate minister Katie White said the decision would safeguard hundreds of roles and create the country’s only dedicated onshore wind blade facility.
“It was a no-brainer to save the Vestas factory on the Isle of Wight and create the country’s only dedicated onshore wind blade facility,” White said.
“While our thoughts are with those who have lost their jobs, by safeguarding over 300 roles, we are protecting one of the Isle of Wight’s largest employers and giving Britain the ability to produce the homegrown, clean power we need to bring bills down for good,” she added.
