Teesside's new wind turbine blade plant to lead green industrial revolution, expert says

LM Wind Power, a GE Renewable Energy business, will build a plant dedicated to the production of 107m offshore wind turbine blades, a key component of GE’s Haliade-X, one of the most powerful offshore wind turbines.

GE estimates the new plant, set to open and start production in 2023, could create up to 750 direct renewable energy jobs and up to 1,500 indirect jobs in the supply chain.

Chris McDonald, the chief executive of Middlesbrough-based research and innovation centre, the Materials Processing Institute, commented on the news: “Confirmation that GE Renewable Energy is to create a huge offshore wind blade manufacturing centre here on Teesside places this region front and centre of the UK’s growing green economy.

“Teesside and the wider North East has a supply chain that is already leading the way in the development of clean energy and the decarbonisation process. This facility can only strengthen that position and attract further investment to the area.

“This decision follows on from the announcement in last week’s budget that Teesside has been granted freeport status along with a £20 million investment in the pivotal Teesworks Offshore Manufacturing Centre.”

Mr McDonald added that the institute, which is itself leading a £22 million government-funded project to increase productivity and sustainability within the steel and metals sector, is an example of the synergy that exists within the region that is helping to drive the green revolution.

He said: “Of course, the creation of 750 jobs is to be welcomed, along with the further potential for 1,500 more within the supply chain, but of greater significance is that these are in a rapidly expanding sector full of opportunity – one that is set to transform the industrial landscape, with Teesside at its heart.”

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