Vestas closes UK factory from “NIMBY” opposition to wind power

One thing the UK has plenty of is wind, and Vestas Wind Systems planned to harness that energy source by manufacturing turbines. Recently that changed though when the company announced it would be closing a factory on the Isle of Wight because of a lackluster market and not in my back yard (NIMBY) battles.

Workers are fighting the factory closure and asking the government to intervene. They were joined by protesters fighting for climate change and together the two groups hope to convince the government that the growing wind energy industry deserves as much aid as the ailing auto industry.

The problem? Vestas claims it needs a market, not money. A senior company executive said “a problem we are facing is our inability to get planning consent. We needed a stable long-term market and that was not there in the UK. We have made clear to the Government that we need a market. We do not need money,” according to The Independent.

Timing is unfortunate for the Government, which recently highlighted a green future that would provide 400,000 jobs in industries like renewable energy production. Vestas closing a factory that produces renewable wind energy through turbines certainly sends a different message.

Britain plans to install around 7,000 wind turbines over the next decade and the Government is now receiving harsh criticism at the prospect of purchasing them from abroad. Producing them locally would certainly create jobs and act as an economic stimulus.

Vestas made its decision to close the plant after meeting with several Government representatives to request support. When that aid was not forthcoming, the company decided to close up shop.

Now the Government is hopeful that Vestas will continue with plans to build a research facility on the Isle of Wight that would provide 300 local jobs.