Wind energy – U.S.A.
Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy today held a launch ceremony with representatives from state and local government authorities and wind industry partners in Virginia for what will be the first offshore wind turbine blade facility in the United States.
Network CEO Liz Burdock speaks with Dept. of Energy’s Sec. Granholm at yesterday’s announcement that Siemens Gamesa will build a new offshore wind turbine blade facility at Portsmouth Marine Terminal in Virginia.
Siemens Gamesa will develop more than 80 acres/32 hectares at the Portsmouth Marine Terminal in Portsmouth, Virginia upon execution of a firm order for the 2.6-GW Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Commercial Project with Dominion Energy.
Representing a cost of more than $200 million dollars, the facility would perform finishing of patented Siemens Gamesa Offshore IntegralBlades.
The $200 million facility will be the first blade facility capable of servicing the offshore wind industry in the U.S. and will create approximately 260 jobs.
This milestone solidifies Siemens Gamesa’s presence in the U.S. offshore wind market and position as the world’s leading offshore wind turbine manufacturer.
“We at Siemens Gamesa have shown the offshore wind industry the way for over 30 years. Establishing the industry’s first dedicated offshore wind turbine blade facility in the United States proves again that we are leading the offshore revolution. The U.S. offshore market is a critical part of our overall global strategy, with our presence in Virginia playing a crucial and central role. Our multimillion US-dollar investment has been energized by the strong collaboration with Dominion Energy and support of Virginia’s legislature and authorities,” states Marc Becker, CEO of the Siemens Gamesa Offshore Business Unit.
The Siemens Gamesa blade facility represents another step to develop the Portsmouth Marine Terminal into an offshore wind hub. Siemens Gamesa will look to potentially expand the facility if awarded future projects in the region, creating additional jobs in the future.
