Vestas protesters target Southampton Boat Show

PROTESTERS unhappy at the treatment of Vestas staff on the Isle of Wight have chained themselves to a crane in Southampton.

Members of Workers Climate Action are protesting in Empress Dock, as part of a campaign for Vestas workers who have recently been made redundant.

They have hung a banner declaring "Wind power to the people" from the cranes loading blades onto the BBC Ohio.

On the crane at Empress Dock, protester Jackie Sheedy said, “ After the factory occupation ended, Vestas and the government hoped we'd all just quieten down. But we're united in this blockade.

"The island workers need those jobs, and we all need them if we want even a chance of combating climate change for our children.”

Reports suggest the protesters arrived by powerboat this morning, using the boat show as cover.

Others have boarded the Blade Runner barge, which is used to transport turbine blades between the Isle of Wight and Southampton.

They have unfolded a banner, saying "Our Blades, Our Power".

One of the protesters, Jamie Rigby, who was sacked from his job at Vestas, told the Daily Echo: "The plan is to bring the crane to a halt and cause as much disruption as possible and stop the blades being shipped to America.

"It's a continuation of the protests that took place on the Isle of Wight, and we will carry on as long as we can."

Last month protesters were removed from two protests on the Isle of Wight over the loss of more than 600 jobs.

Protestors blockade Vestas factory

Dave Arbuthnott sitting on the five-metre tripod outside the Marine Gate, preventing the blades being loaded. Picture by Robin Crossley.

CLIMATE activists are today (Thursday) blockading the Vestas factory in an attempt to prevent blades being removed.
A giant tripod has been erected outside the St Cross factory, blocking the blades from being loaded onto the Bladerunner barge.
"We see it as our duty to stop our blades from leaving as part of the campaign to nationalise the factory," one protestor said.
Danish firm Vestas shut the Newport site along with its Southampton plant, with the loss of 600 jobs last month.
The moved sparked a 19-day sit-in by around 11 workers, making headlines around the world.
The Save Vestas Campaign is holding a national day of action next Thursday, September 17, when people are being encouraged to keep it green.
"Wear green for the day, give your e-mails a green background, and any other ideas you may have, all in support of the Vestas workers and what we are trying to achieve," said a campaign spokesman.
"In the evening we are having a drink at Chicago Rock in Newport where everyone is invited. The theme is also Keep it Green and there will be prizes for the best green fancy dress including a Playstation 3."

Party’s drive for energy

Picnic for protesters

Protesters target MP's office

COUNTY PRESS READERS VIEWS:

Protesters head for MP’s office

Day-long action

Vestas factory closes despite campaign

Rooftop protesters 'digging in'

Seven people are now on top of the Venture Quays building in Cowes

Demonstrators are continuing a rooftop protest on the Isle of Wight over the planned closure of a wind turbine blade factory, with the loss of 625 jobs.

Seven people are now living on top of the Venture Quays building in Cowes, which is used by wind company Vestas.

The Danish firm was at the centre of a sit-in by workers who ended a protest on Friday at its Newport factory.

Meanwhile, members of the Climate Rush group have chained themselves to Lord Mandelson's home in support of workers.

The campaigners have gathered outside the Business Secretary's two-storey property in Regent's Park, London, in an "act of solidarity" for the Vestas workers who are set to lose their jobs.

'Local support'

Ellie Robson, 21, a history undergraduate at Cambridge University, said: "Less than two weeks after announcing the government's plans for a low-carbon Britain, Vestas shut down because there's no demand for wind turbines in this country."

The 19-day occupation of the Newport wind turbine blade factory ended on Friday when bailiffs were sent in.

Members of Climate Rush protested outside Lord Mandelson's home

But members of the support group that climbed the Venture Quays building in Cowes, say they are "digging in" with their protest.

One person left the demonstration while three others joined over the weekend.

Martin Shaw, 44, who has been on the roof since the start, said: "We spoke to the workers when they came out and they want us to stay.

"We are getting so much local support and so far no-one has threatened legal action so we are digging in for the long haul."

Vestas has blamed the lack of demand for wind turbines in the UK on the planned closure of the Newport site.

Tears and cheers as wind sit-in ends

There were cheers, tears and defiance as the final six Vestas workers ended their 19-day sit-in protest.

Bailiffs had to force their way inside the first-floor office, which has been the protesters' home since 20 July.

One worker leapt from a balcony, landing in a bush.

Two others abseiled from the factory while hundreds of supporters aimed chants of "shame" at the factory owners.

"It is all a bit bewildering but it's a wonderful feeling to get out and a major relief," one of the workers told BBC News.

"We all feel like we have scored a moral victory and believe it has been more than worthwhile.

"I can't wait to have a cold beer, long wash and a chicken vindaloo curry."

VESTAS SIT-IN ENDS By the BBC's Steve Humphrey on the Isle of Wight After 19 days of a tense stand off, it all ended in less than an hour in a frantic and dramatic fashion. As the men abseiled, jumped and walked out of the Vestas factory there were lots of emotional family reunions. It had been a very public campaign and ended in a very public way - just as the workers would have wanted. They all looked remarkably well but in need of a good meal and shower, but still vowing to fight on.

The group had barricaded themselves inside the wind turbine blade factory in Newport on the Isle of Wight in protest at Vestas' plans to close the site and other operations with the loss of 625 jobs.

They defied requests to leave from management, a court order and only left when bailiffs arrived to evict them.

It is thought up to 12 workers had occupied the factory during the protest with little food and limited washing and sleeping facilities.

The worker who did not wish to be named, added: "It has been hard, but the support we have seen grow around the country has been amazing.

"But it was great to have a hug from my daughter, who shed a few tears, and see my mum and dad.

'Prospects bleak'

"I'm not sure if I became institutionalised but it was sad to leave the factory, it had become our home.

"I didn't know a lot of the guys when we went in but we have become great friends."

New friendships have blossomed during the sit-in

The men had demanded their jobs were saved and called on the government to nationalise the factory.

Those demands look to have fallen on deaf ears, with the Danish wind turbine firm sacking the workers and taking away their redundancy packages.

"It was a disappointment when we knew the redundancy had gone but it made us more determined to stay as long as we can.

"I'll have to get down the Jobcentre next week and the prospects look bleak.

"I'm 42 years old and have worked for 25 years, I've always had a job.

"It's going to be tough getting something new, especially with work tight on the Isle of Wight, but all of us are determined not to be a burden on the taxpayer."

Protesters were only able to get a few hours sleep each night

The protest has been the longest sit-in ever seen on the Isle of Wight and has made headlines around the world.

The workers have vowed the campaign will not stop with their eviction and plan to organise rallies and marches in the coming weeks.

The worker added: "We are going to keep it all going in the hope something may happen in the future."

Vestas has blamed the plans to lay off the 625 workers on a drop in demand.

Peter Kruse, Vestas spokesman, said: "We have always understood the frustrations of the workers but have been surprised at the length of this action."

Vestas: Sit-in over

High noon for protesters

Defiant workers still in factory

Immediate eviction for sit-in workers

Second factory occupied by protesters

Activists stuck on backing Vestas workers (iwcp)

March backs Vestas workers (iwcp)

Vestas workers claim victory over delayed decision (iwcp)

Vestas accused of harassing families (iwcp)

Vestas workers’ payments stalled (iwcp)

Worker walks out of wind sit-in

A worker has walked out of a sit-in at a wind turbine blade factory on the Isle of Wight after nine days, to be reunited with his family.

Luke Paxton was among about 25 people who locked themselves inside the Vestas factory in Newport on 20 July after the firm announced plans to axe 625 jobs.

He walked out on Wednesday and was checked by paramedics for malnutrition.

The sit-in is continuing with Vestas failing in a legal bid to have the protestors removed on Wednesday.

A judge at Newport County Court ruled that removal papers had not been served in accordance with legal rules and adjourned the case until Tuesday.

'Annilate us'

Mr Paxton, who left for personal reasons, told BBC News: "It was a struggle, everything was a challenge from eating to washing.

"We were hoping we wouldn't be in there for so long, but when you're running in there so many things are going through your mind.

"I've never done anything like this in my life and there was that part of me that thought they are a big company and they are going to annihilate us in court.

They deserve to win this important battle for green jobs Billy Bragg

"But to hear that news yesterday was absolutely fantastic and boosted everyone's morale."

The protestors have been receiving about two meals a day from Vestas but Mr Paxton was checked for low blood sugar levels when he left.

"I was looking very pale and was advised to go to hospital but I just wanted to get home and have a proper meal.

"We got one slice of pizza and a bit of fruit the other night for dinner which is not a meal."

A number of supporters broke through security lines on Thursday to throw food to the workers inside.

They were eventually ejected but there were no arrests.

Lack of demand

Eleven employees involved in the sit-in have been sacked by the company.

Meanwhile the singer Bill Bragg has added his support to the campaign.

Workers inside the factory say they will stay for "as long as it takes"

He said: "They are a fantastic example to us all and they deserve to win this important battle for green jobs.

"I will be promoting their campaign from the stage on my American dates."

Vestas has blamed its decision to close the factory on a lack of demand for wind turbines in the UK market, despite the firm's profits rising.

The factory was scheduled to close this Friday.

The workers are not union members but trade unionists have joined the campaign to keep the factory open, as have environmentalists.

The Campaign against Climate Change and the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) organised a rally outside the Department of Energy and Climate Change in central London on Tuesday evening.

Supporters of Vestas workers break into factory to deliver food (Guardian)

Supporters of workers occupying the Vestas wind turbine factory on the Isle of Wight today broke into the premises to deliver food, accusing the company of trying to starve the men into submission.

The Danish-owned company said it would officially close the Newport factory, the only major producer of wind turbine blades in the UK, tomorrow. However, about 10 workers at the plant remain in a first-floor office space which they have occupied for 11 days in protest at the closure of the factory, which they say will result in about 625 job losses.

Vestas failed in a legal attempt to obtain a possession order from a local court to evict the workers on Wednesday, when a judge ruled it had failed to properly serve papers on the men. He adjourned the hearing until Tuesday.

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) has raised concerns over the welfare of the men, who have no access to showers or hot water.

The union is seeking legal advice on the obligations the company has to feed the workers, who are receiving a modest breakfast at 9am and a small meal – such as slice of pizza – at night. Occasionally, they have been given drinks.

"It cannot be right that the company are allowed to try and starve the workers at Vestas into submission," said the RMT general secretary, Bob Crow. "This looks to us like a gross infringement of their human rights."

One of the workers left the occupation yesterday, and was told by ambulance staff that his blood sugar levels were dangerously low. Luke Paxton, 20, said a police officer guided him to a waiting ambulance after he emerged from the plant looking "pale and shaky". He said he was advised to go to hospital after a blood test showed his sugar levels were lower than normal.

Vestas activists from the island, who are campaigning alongside environmental protesters at a campsite outside the factory gates, stormed through a security cordon yesterday to deliver food. Steve Milligan, from the Climate Camp protest group, said those outside had become "really frustrated and angry" at the lack of food and decided to enter by force.

A number were restrained by security, he said, but others managed to throw supplies in, including a kettle, rice, tins of tuna and pasta.

Until now, workers inside the factory have relied on additional supplies stuffed into tennis balls and thrown to them from a distance, meaning supplies have been limited to rolled up bags of instant soup, sweets and pound coins for use in a vending machine.

The tennis ball technique – also used to smuggle drugs into prisons – was used by the Guardian to get a USB memory stick into the factory. The workers uploaded video footage they shot of their occupation, giving an insight into their living conditions, and threw the ball back.

The footage, shot on Wednesday, shows the men lounging around on office desks and listening to music on the radio. They react jubilantly when they hear the news from court that enabled an extension of their occupation until next week.

One worker can be overheard saying: "Six days isn't it – something like that? We need to speak to Ian Woodland and they need to start getting us food in properly. They've said they can do it, so we need to get it done now. And maybe the RMT can start getting the food in and putting on the pressure."

Isle of Wight's Green Euro-MP to submit workers' co-op proposal to save Vestas jobs

The Isle of Wight's Green Euro-MP is to submit an urgent proposal to the Leader of the Isle of Wight Council for support for a workers co-op at the Vestas wind turbine manufacturing plant to be established under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007.

Dr Lucas's submission, which offers a practical and sustainable solution to the current dispute over the proposed closure of the plant, will be delivered tomorrow at 4pm to Cllr David Pugh by Brian Lucas from Isle of Wight Green Party and a representative of the workers at the Vestas plant.

Under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007, councils and communities have the opportunity to put forward proposals on sustainable improvements to local economic, environmental and social wellbeing. Once established, individual councils' proposals are sent to the Government via the Local Government Association. The deadline for current submissions to the LGA is 31st July 2009.

In a last ditch attempt to keep the Vestas plant open, Dr Lucas will call on the IoW Council to ask for Government support under the terms of the 2007 Act to ensure that:

- The workers of the wind turbine company Vestas are permitted to form a Workers' Cooperative, and are supported in doing so by the government.

- Financial support (at the very least unemployment benefit) is paid to the workers of Vestas until such time as the proposed Workers' Cooperative is financially viable.

Dr Lucas commented: "If the government is serious about tackling climate change, helping to protect the future of UK manufacturing, and safeguarding local jobs, it must act now to keep the Vestas facility open for business.

"By submitting a proposal under the Sustainable Communities Act for a workers' co-op, the Council can demand that the government provides the investment and assurances necessary to save this facility - on the basis that it plays a crucial economic and environmental role in the local community.

"Failure to keep the Vestas plant open will represent a spectacular failure by the government to match its rhetoric on green jobs with real policy action. It should be seizing the opportunity to create a renewable energy revolution that can see us through a transition towards a more environmentally and economically stable economy. Allowing the IoW plant to close now would be a massive embarrassment for ministers - and devastating for the IoW's workers."

Council calls for take over of Vestas

Judge denies Vestas eviction order

Vestas says will shut UK wind turbine blade plant

COPENHAGEN, July 28 (Reuters) - Danish wind turbine maker Vestas (VWS.CO) will go ahead with plans to close its blade factory on the Isle of Wight in Britain, the company said on Tuesday.

"As a result of the current market conditions in Northern Europe and the planning process in the UK, Vestas has decided not to move forward with its plans to convert the factory into the production of 44-metre blades," Vestas said in a statement.

The company also said it has dismissed 11 employees who participated in an occupation of the plant since Wednesday but was proceeding with already announced plans to expand its research and development activities on the island.

"The UK market has very favourable wind conditions. If this market develops into a strong and stable market Vestas will consider investing in new manufacturing capacity in the UK," the company said. (Reporting by Teis Jensen; Editing by Greg Mahlich)

Turbine workers face court action

The workers have spent three nights inside the factory

Workers on the fourth day of a sit-in protest at a wind turbine factory on the Isle of Wight said the owners have served them with court papers.

The 25 staff began the protest after Danish firm Vestas Windsystems revealed plans to sack 625 workers by the end of July, despite rising profits.

BBC News has been told by the workers the matter will be discussed in a county court in Newport next Wednesday.

Vestas said talks at the Newport site were ongoing and it would not comment.

Union support

RMT union leader, Bob Crow, pledged his backing for the workers when he attended a rally outside the factory.

"We are going to be representing and supporting them in court," he said.

"We are not going to allow our people to be starved out - if need be, we will drop helicopter loads of food."

Protesters, who occupied the site at about 1930 BST on Monday, said managers had given them until Tuesday night to end their action or face the sack.

When a fence was erected on Wednesday, the workers said they believed that it was put up to stop supplies being thrown through a balcony, but the firm has since provided food.

The protesters also said electric and telephone lines had been temporarily cut, but police said the power to the building was at no stage turned off.

Police said Vestas had started legal action to gain an injunction to remove the sit-in protesters.

A total of five men have now been arrested at the site, police said.

The company said the factory was being closed next week because of reduced demand for wind turbines in northern Europe.

Turbine workers talk of sit-in life

The workers have only been getting a few hours sleep a night

The 25 or so workers into the fourth day of a sit-in protest at the Vestas wind turbine site on the Isle of Wight say morale is high, but what is it really like on the inside?

The all-male group have been sleeping on the floor, washing in a sink basin and running low on food.

One of the workers, who did not want to be named, said: "There are a few stinky bodies and it is hard being away from your family and kids but we've managed to stay in touch on our mobiles which has been great.

"One guy has even called us up after seeing the publicity and asked for our mobile numbers and topped our phones up with £10, it's great to see such support."

They are protesting at Danish company Vestas Windsystems plan to make 625 workers redundant at the end of this month, despite rising profits.

The men have been telling each other jokes in a bid to keep spirits up.

'Face sack'

"One of the guys found a pair of latex cycling shorts in the office, so we all had a good laugh when he put them on and ran around.

"Just little things like that keep the atmosphere good."

He jokingly added: "It's all guys here so good to be away from the women for a while."

The protester said the experience is probably similar to being on the television show Big Brother.

The workers say morale is still high inside the factory

"It is a bit, but no arguments yet.

"We are pretty cut off from the outside world and food has been running low, there's no television and we've been mostly listening to the radio.

"We've just been living on things like sausage rolls, pasties, crisps and a few bits of fruit. We could really do with a KFC.

"But we've all seen the survival shows and know we can go a while without food as long as we have the basics.

"There's a water machine in the office and a coffee and tea vending machine.

"There's a toilet so there's no problem with that and a few guys brought some spare socks and clothes."

Vestas has now erected a fence at the entrance to the site to stop people throwing food up to a balcony for workers, but the firm has agreed to deliver food supplies.

The workers have also claimed the firm has told them they have been sacked and will lose redundancy pay.

'Not much sleep'

The men locked themselves in a first-floor office of about 40ft by 40ft on Monday evening and have been staying up at night in shifts to guard the doors.

"A lot of us had not had much sleep. I've been getting about two hours a night.

A fence was put up on Wednesday but Vestas is supplying food

"But we've been turning office chairs upside down and using the head rests as pillows even though they are not the most comfortable.

"This protest is a last-ditch attempt to save our jobs, we want the government to come down here and help us."

The group have vowed to continue their sit-in for "as long as it takes".

The worker said the managers are still coming into work on the floor below.

"So far only the middle managers have spoken to us, not the big bosses," he said.

"It started with a few phone calls, then we spoke through a crack in a door but today we let one in with the food.

"He said we had made our point and come down, but we want action first."

Vestas has not commented on the protest and only told the BBC a consultation on the site's future is on-going.

The firm has previously said the factory was being closed due to reduced demand for wind turbines in northern Europe.

Sit-in turbine workers fenced in

Workers inside the factory say they will stay for "as long as it takes"

The owners of a wind turbine factory on the Isle of Wight have fenced off the entrance to the site, where about 25 staff are on the third day of a sit-in.

Danish company Vestas Windsystems plans to make 625 workers redundant at the end of July, despite rising profits.

Workers said the fence was being built to stop food or drink being sent in, which has led to complaints that the company is acting illegally.

Vestas said talks at the site were continuing and it would not comment.

Protesters, who occupied the Newport site on Monday at about 1930 BST, said managers had given them until Tuesday night to end their action or face the sack.

BBC South Today reporter Tom Hepworth has learned the 24 protesters have been sacked and the electricity and telephone lines in the building have been cut.

'Denied aid'

"It's appalling," said one of the workers.

"We are convinced this is against the Human Rights Act because we are being denied humanitarian aid.

"But the more the management try to flush us out, the more determined we are to dig in our heels."

The workers entered the building at about 1930 BST on Monday

A total of three people have now been arrested at the site, police said.

A man was being held on suspicion of assaulting an officer, and another for breach of peace.

The men, who are from Southampton, are aged 28 and 49.

Earlier, a 38-year-old London man was arrested on suspicion of breach of the peace on Wednesday after he tried to enter the site.

He was released without charge.

RMT union leader Bob Crow said: "I think it is absolutely scandalous what is going on and we are supporting this occupation.

"These people are being denied food, they are being denied water."

The campaigners have called on Ed Miliband, the energy and climate change secretary, to travel to the island to speak to them.

About 200 workers staged a protest outside the factory on Tuesday after being turned away when they arrived for work.

Why hasn't the government supported Vestas as it has the car industry? Nick Rau Friends of the Earth

They were also joined by climate change protesters who are supporting them.

Police said Vestas had started legal action to gain an injunction which would remove the sit-in protesters.

The company said the factory was being closed next week due to reduced demand for wind turbines in northern Europe.

Friends of the Earth's energy campaigner Nick Rau said: "The UK has the best wind resources in the whole of Europe and we should be creating green energy jobs, not shedding them.

"Why hasn't the government supported Vestas as it has the car industry, and taken enough action to keep wind turbine manufacturing jobs here in the UK?"

A spokeswoman for the Department of Energy and Climate Change said the plant made blades for the US market which were not the right specification for onshore or offshore wind farms in the UK.

"We are hopeful that Vestas will go ahead with their plans for a research and development facility on the Isle of Wight which could provide up to a further 300 jobs and also help develop and test products that are suitable for the UK offshore market."

Vestas workers threatened with arrest

Vestas’ workers stage sit in

Vestas Staff Occupy Newport Offices:

‘Cash could not make Vestas stay on the Island’

It’s not too late to save jobs

LETTER

From R. J. Burton (for IW Association of Trade Union Councils), Shorwell:
THE IW Association of Trade Union Councils thanks all who attended our public meeting last Friday.
The meeting was designed to see what further measures could be taken to save the 600 jobs at the Newport and Southampton sites of Vestas Blades.
It was noticeable no members of the IW Council were present. It does give the impression that the IW Council and the IW Economic Partnership do not understand the seriousness of the situation which confronts the Island’s manufacturing industry.
At least Andrew Turner MP did attend.
In the words of Phil Wood, regional secretary of Unison, and a member of the South East England Development Agency board, the IW Council and the Economic Partnership should have been spearheading a campaign against the closure.
That should have happened once Vestas Blades announced the closure.
The situation has not been helped by the fact the workforce at Vestas was unorganised and the company always had an anti-trade union policy.
It has been said the workforce did have elected representatives to speak for them. That may be so but there has been no opportunity for trade union back up.
The trades councils are extremely disappointed we have received no support from government departments and ministers we have written to seeking help against the closure.
The trades councils began campaigning on the issue of closure directly after it was announced.
It is not too late to save the jobs, providing all public bodies show a response and send a delegation to Whitehall at this 11th hour.
We have written to the IW Council urging immediate action. That should have been carried out weeks ago.
The inaction of the council and other public bodies has made the Vestas’ policy of closure and the loss of jobs look respectable.
Comparing the vast amounts of public money poured in to save the UK banking system, it is not too much to ask for similar aid for industry.
It has been suggested Vestas requires £50 million for research and development for new technology.
That is a small price to pay when considering how much it will cost in redundancy payments and job seekers’ allowances in future months.

Fight for your jobs plea from unions

MP to step up Vestas campaign

MP to discuss Vestas job losses

We need more people doing this (Thanks Simon)

Do more to save firm, say unions

Unite's briefing on the campaign to save the Vestas wind turbine plants in England

Unite seeks government intervention to save England’s wind turbine plants

19th May 2009

Unite the union will ask government to act to save England’s only wind turbine manufacturing plants after Vestas Blades announced the factories at its Isle of Wight and Southampton sites will close in July, with the loss of 625 jobs and the transfer of production to China and the US.

At a meeting with Ed Miliband, secretary of state for energy and climate change, Unite will ask the government to follow the example of the Scottish parliament which recently invested £10 million. This money enabled a £27 million investment from a new Danish company when Vestas shed its Scottish site.

Jack Dromey, Unite deputy gene

Ensure there is sufficient investment in grid expansion 

• ese closures would be a disaster from the point of view of green jobs, and the long term sustainability of the UK's energy supply. 
  
  "The  government talks about how green jobs will help the country climb out of the recession, so we hope they will take action to save England’s only wind turbine manufacturing capacity to survive.”
  
  The call for action is supported by environmental group Friends of the Earth which believe that the government must take action now to keep these wind turbine manufacturing jobs in Britain. 

  Nick Rau, Friends of the Earth’s energy campaigner, said: “Allowing this country’s only wind turbine manufacturer to close these manufacturing plants would be an absolute tragedy – the UK has the best wind resources in the whole of Europe and we should be creating green energy jobs, not shedding them.

  “The government must now take action to keep wind turbine manufacturing jobs in Britain, tackle barriers to renewable energy, and make this country a world leader in developing a clean and prosperous low-carbon economy.”

  The UK has the best ‘wind resources’ in Europe but currently generates just five per cent of power from this source, less than than most other large economies. 

  At the meeting Unite will ask the government to:

  • Address blockages in the planning system, which has been called ‘the most difficult in the world’ by Vestas CEO, Ditlev Engel 
  • Take steps to ensure that the banks free up invest
• Invest more in skills for renewable energy 
• Consider following the Spanish example of only allowing planning permission for sites, if those turbines are at least in part manufactured in that region. (Using EU social and environmental clauses that make this an entirely legitimate practice) 
• Introduce feed in tariffs for large scale wind, which have driven rapid expansion of wind energy in most other large economies and at lower cost to the energy consumer than our current system

Unionists' plea for ministers to save Vestas blades factory

Green Anger As ‘Shambolic And Incoherent Government Policy’ Spells Closure For UK’s Only Wind Turbine Factory

29 April 2009 - 700 job losses at Isle of Wight plant; Green MEP and party leader Caroline Lucas demands urgent support for jobs-rich green industries

The Green Party’s Euro-MP for the South East of England reacted angrily today to news that the UK’s only wind turbine manufacturing plant, located in the Isle of Wight, is to close. Commenting on the closure of the Vestas plant in her South East constituency, Dr Caroline Lucas MEP said:

“The decision to close the Isle of Wight facility represents a spectacular failure of Government ministers to promote green industries and the future of manufacturing in this country. This isn’t just a huge blow for the 700 skilled British workers who will now lose their jobs – it destroys any hope the UK may have had for establishing itself in the eyes of the world as being at the forefront of technological efforts to create a greener and more sustainable future.

“At a time when thousands of people are losing their jobs, it is unforgivable that the Government has singularly failed to offer coherent policy on the future of the renewable energy industry. This is an industry which could provide good quality jobs for skilled workers in exciting new industries, taking full advantage of the UK’s proud manufacturing heritage, while also addressing the ever-present threat of climate change. The Government should be seizing the opportunity to create a favourable policy environment and invest massively in the new technologies that can see us through a period of transition towards a more environmentally and economically stable economy.

“What do we get instead? A Government trying to position itself as a world leader on environmental policy yet failing to meet the EU’s basic targets to reduce pollution and improve air quality. We have ministers blindly persisting in their efforts to open new coal fired power stations, throwing public money at as yet unproven CCS technology and storing up problems for the future. We see more Government plans to expand nuclear facilities, with all the dangers and uncertainties that those bring – not to mention the enormous cost to the taxpayer.

“We are in the midst of a global energy crisis, yet this Government has missed one opportunity after another to launch a clean energy revolution that would provide hundreds of thousands of green collar jobs, reduce energy bills and deliver long-overdue improvements to the UK’s infrastructure. Channeling investment into green industries through incentives and improving the planning system would inject new life into the struggling renewables sector; the UK could be at the forefront of the clean technologies which can see us through the economic, environmental and global energy crises.

“Neither Labour, nor the forces of the free market, can be relied upon to adequately tackle climate change or nurture the fledging green industries that could provide so many jobs for British people. The ideas to develop and support the sector, and so create an energy policy fit for the 21st century, are there - all that is needed now is the political will to see them through.”

Vestas raises £700m a day after cutting 600 UK jobs

Renewable energy giants seek to bolster capital and finance long-term expansion plans

Two of the world's largest renewable energy firms, Danish wind turbine manufacturer Vestas and California-based solar specialist SunPower, have this week announced plans to raise fresh cash through share issues as both companies seek to bolster their financial position and fund expansion plans.

Vestas announced on Wednesday that it had successfully raised 5.98bn Danish crowns ($1.05bn, £704m) in a fully subscribed share issue that saw 18.5 million new shares issued.

"The capital increase has been subscribed for at a price per share of 323 Danish crowns and in a private placement sold on to institutional and professional investors," the firm said in a statement.

The move came just a day after the company announced a 70 per cent rise in first-quarter profits to €56m (£50m), while also confirming that lower than expected demand in northern Europe would result in 1,900 job cuts, including 600 redundancies at its only UK production plant on the Isle of Wight.

The company said that the new funds would be used to "further strengthen Vestas' capital resources, especially to position Vestas to quickly and efficiently exploit the opportunities offered by the credit crisis in a technology-based industry".

Some of the funding is likely to be used to further boost the company's position in emerging markets, such as China, where it is seeking to rapidly expand its presence.

Meanwhile, SunPower followed the release of a disappointing set of first-quarter results with an announcement yesterday that it is to sell nine million shares of common stock and $175m in convertible debt in an attempt to raise about $400m.

The company said in a statement that it would use the fresh funds for general corporate purposes and capital projects, although it also hinted that it "may use a portion of the net proceeds" for future acquisitions of other businesses or technologies.

The move comes as SunPower bounced back from the news that it had recorded a surprise net loss of about $5m for the first quarter, with the announcement that it has secured a deal with Florida utility FPL Group to provide it with 600MW of solar panels.

World's largest turbine manufacturer cautious about future expansion, but still predicting 20 per cent growth in 2009

It seems that the reported demise of the wind energy industry has been greatly exaggerated.

Despite ongoing concerns over tightening credit conditions and project cancellations, Vestas, the world's largest wind turbine manufacturer, yesterday released better than expectedresults for last year, reporting an increase in operating profits of 51 per cent to €668m (£604m). Sales for the year also soared from €4.86bn in 2007 to €6.03bn last year.

Significantly, the company also maintained its sales and profit forecasts for this year, predicting sales would rise about 20 per cent to €7.2bn, resulting in a profit margin of between 11 and 13 per cent.

The turbine maker said that despite widespread reports of wind farm project delays and cancellations, the company was yet to have any orders cancelled, adding that the order backlog for the end of 2008 stood at more than 4,800MW.

The company said it was also pressing ahead with its strategy of expanding its production capacity in "principal markets", including plans to double capacity at its blades plant in Colorado by 2010 and open a new plant in Inner Mongolia later this year.

However, chief executive Ditlev Engel sounded a note of caution, warning that wider expansion plans – including up to €1.2bn in future investment – were at risk of being scaled back if demand did not pick up over the first half of the year.

Warning that the rapid profit growth the company had experienced in recent years would be curtailed, Engel refused to rule out redundancies at the company.

"If the world does not improve, we will have to look to cut jobs at Vestas," he told financial analysts at the company's New York results announcement.

Wind turbine maker announces that local opposition to onshore wind and weakening pound mean Isle of Wight factory will close

Wind turbine manufacturer Vestas announced yesterday that it is to close its Isle of Wight production plant and axe half its UK workforce as a direct result of the planning delays that have dogged many UK wind farm projects.

The news, which will mean the loss of 600 jobs, came just a week after chancellor Alistair Darling announced an additional £525m would be pumped into the offshore wind industry over the next three years. Prime minister Gordon Brown praised the Budget as "the greenest ever".

Vestas said in an interim financial report that progress in the UK planning system is so slow that despite the extra government money it will still be able to meet demand for turbines through imports and will no longer need its Isle of Wight blade production facility.

"If the expected lay-offs are carried out, Vestas will still have substantial excess capacity in Northern Europe compared with the current, local market prospects for the coming years," the report says.

Vestas said that a research and development facility on the island would be unaffected by the cuts, but a spokesman for the company said the plant itself was unlikely to open again in the next few years. "All of a sudden British MPs have decided to spend some money on renewable energy but I'm afraid I don't think that will be a game-changer for the Isle of Wight factory," he said.

Vestas chief executive Ditlev Engel told the Financial Times that the cuts were a direct result of the weakening pound and planning bottlenecks for onshore wind projects. "There are two sets of politicians, Whitehall politicians and local politicians," he said, arguing that attempts by ministers to fast track approval for wind farms were being undermined by opposition from local councils.

The government has been working to streamline the approval process for onshore wind projects, but under changes set out in the recent Planning Bill it can only intervene in local planning committees to grant decisions on projects that deliver more than 50MW capacity.

There are only two such projects planned in the UK at the moment, and the vast majority of smaller projects continue to be hampered by planning delays.

According to British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) figures, onshore wind farms face an average wait of 12 months to receive a planning decision from local councils, far longer than the wait imposed on other capital projects of a similar scale.

The move will come as a major blow to the UK wind energy industry, which has seen confidence bolstered by the injection of funding for offshore projects. The BWEA said that there was now considerable optimism that four planned offshore wind farms, including the world's largest project in the Thames Estuary, will now proceed as a result of the budget announcement. However, concerns remain that planning delays and difficulty accessing credit will lead to a slowdown in onshore wind projects.

There was better news for the global wind market, after Vestas reported that globally turbine production was up 21 per cent year on year during the first quarter, while profits rose 70 per cent to €56m (£50m).

And in related news the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) released its first quarterly report yesterday, showing that more than 2,800MW of new generating capacity was installed during the first three months of the year, increasing total US wind energy capacity by over 10 per cent.

"These brand new wind projects shine a ray of hope on our economy today, creating good jobs and powering homes with a clean, inexhaustible source of energy," said AWEA chief executive Denise Bode.

UK: New planning officer faces challenge of wind farm application delays
Financial Times, 02 May 2009, 2:-
The main challenge facing the UK's new chief planning official Sir Michael Pitt is thought to be tackling the current bottleneck in wind farm applications which has been blamed for stalling the progress of the UK's renewable energy industry. The British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) has stated that so far in 2009 ten wind farm applications have been approved, whilst another ten have been refused. In recent years the approval rate for wind farm applications has been approximately 40% with it taking an average of two years for a decision to be made. In contrast 70% of other infrastructure schemes are approved within 16 weeks. By 2020 the Government wants between 35% and 40% of electricity in the UK to be generated from renewable sources, with the majority being provided by wind.