RWE has unveiled the first of the turbine blades being made at the Siemens Gamesa factory in Hull for the 1400MW Sofia offshore wind project.
Guests at the event, including RWE UK country chair Tom Glover, enjoyed a tour of the manufacturing plant and saw the production process in action.
The 108-metre long blades (pictured) are attached to each of the 100 14MW offshore turbines which will be used at RWE’s Sofia wind farm.
Glover said: “To see these impressive turbine blades being produced, ready to be installed at our flagship Sofia offshore wind farm, is a fantastic demonstration of the true value that offshore wind brings to coastal communities, such as Hull.
“The potential for job creation within the renewable supply chain is huge.
“Not just with companies like Siemens Gamesa, which is manufacturing the blades for Sofia at their blade factory here in the UK – but right across the supply chain.
“Sofia is a significant development for RWE in the UK, and we are delighted to be able to see that investment being maximised in support of important local, coastal communities.”
Siemens Energy UK&I vice president Darren Davidson said: “Our wind power business Siemens Gamesa makes Siemens Energy a global market leader for renewable energies.
“At our offshore wind blade factory in Hull we’re powering the energy transition.
“We now employ over 1300 people at the site, after recruiting more than 600 new employees over the last 12 months.
“We are proud to be a key supplier to RWE on a number of UK projects, including manufacturing the blades for Sofia.
“It’s great to have this project underway and unveil the first blade.”
The Sofia offshore wind farm project is located on Dogger Bank in the central North Sea, 195 km off the north east coast of England.
Offshore installation began earlier this year (2024), with project completion anticipated in 2026.