Vestas Unveils Plans For V236-15.0 MW Nacelle Factory In Scotland
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
Vestas plans to build a nacelle and hub assembly facility in Scotland to support offshore wind projects in the UK and across Europe.
These four paragraphs give what looks to be a full outline of a more or less comprehensive plan.
The proposed factory would require a capital investment of more than EUR 250 million and is planned to manufacture nacelles and hubs for the company’s V236-15.0 MW offshore wind turbine. The new facility is expected to create up to 500 direct jobs, with additional employment across the supply chain.
According to Vestas, the plan to set up the factory follows the results of the Contracts for Difference Allocation Round 7 (AR7) in January 2026, the company’s growing offshore wind order book in the UK, and strategic discussions with the UK and Scottish governments on the next steps to develop and co-invest in the facility.
The plan also includes the potential co-location of suppliers producing other major turbine components, as part of a broader manufacturing setup.
The final investment decision (FID) on the new factory will depend on Vestas securing sufficient UK-based orders for the AR7 projects and those from the upcoming AR8. Subject to the timing of those results and the planning process, the facility could begin production by 2029 or 2030, Vestas said on 25 March.
- V236-15.0 turbines are 15 MW turbines, for which Vestas have 256 orders in the UK for Inchcape, Norfolk Vanguard East and Norfolk Vanguard West.
- In addition to new wind farms, will these large turbines be used for refitting to older wind farms?
- If other manufacturers or components could be involved, this would surely be sensible.
The picture in the original article shows the large size of these nacelles, which would suggest a site with good access to water might be good to ease transport.
Did The Help For Steel, Six Days Ago Help?
On the 19th March, I wrote UK Steel Industry Backed By Major New Trade Measure And Strategy. Did this help for steel to formulate Vestas’s plans? I wouldn’t be surprised, if the steel can be taken to the site Vesta chooses by rail or water.
Port Talbot To Become Offshore Wind Hub For Celtic Sea
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the BBC.
This is the sub-heading.
Port Talbot will become the first dedicated hub for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea.
These four introductory paragraphs add some detail.
Associated British Ports (ABP) will begin detailed design and engineering work on new port infrastructure after securing grant funding of up to £64m from the UK government.
The project will support the assembly and deployment of floating turbines that will operate in deeper waters off the Welsh coast. ABP said the development could support thousands of jobs and attract hundreds of millions of pounds in further investment.
The UK government said the new port would help deliver clean, homegrown electricity, protect households from volatile fossil fuel markets and create up to 5,000 new jobs.
Redeveloping the port to handle the assembly of wind turbines could position Port Talbot at the centre of a fast-growing clean energy sector.
I have some thoughts.
How Much Wind Power Is Planned For The Western Approaches?
In Ocean Winds Enters Lease Agreement With Crown Estate For 1.5 GW Celtic Sea Floating Wind Project, I published this Google AI estimate of the wind power, that could be developed in the Western Approaches.
How Much Wind Power Is Planned For The Western Approaches?
I asked Google AI, the title of this section and received this answer.
The UK has a target of 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030, with significant projects planned for the Celtic Sea (part of the Western Approaches), which is a key area for 5 GW of floating wind. Total UK offshore wind pipeline capacity exceeds 93 GW, with major developments in this region focusing on floating technology.
Key details regarding wind power in the Western Approaches (specifically the Celtic Sea) include:
Celtic Sea Developments: The area is a primary focus for floating wind projects, designed to capitalize on deep-water potential, with 5 GW of floating wind expected to be deployed across the UK by 2030.
Pipeline and Capacity: The total UK pipeline for offshore wind, which includes the Western Approaches, is 93 GW, and the government is aiming for 43-50 GW of installed offshore capacity by 2030.
Project Status: The region is expected to benefit from the Crown Estate’s leasing rounds aimed at accelerating floating wind, with 15.4 GW of new projects submitted across the UK in 2024.
Wales/South West England Context: Wales has 1.4 GW of projects in the pre-application stage, with some potential for developments off the South West coast.
For more detailed information on specific projects and their development status, you can visit the RenewableUK website and RenewableUK website.
It looks like about 20 GW of offshore wind could be installed in the Western Approaches.
I would expect, a lot of work will be generated in the Port Talbot area.
A Lot Of Steel Will Be Needed
Earlier in the weeek, the UK Government backed the steel industry in Port Talbot, with a press release entitled UK Steel Industry Backed By Major New Trade Measure And Strategy.
Port Talbot Is A Comprehensive, Well-Connected Site
This Google Map shows the site.
Note.
- The M4 running along the site.
- The South Wales Main Line running along the site, with Port Talbot Parkway serving the site.
- The harbour by the station.
- The Tata steelworks marked by the red arrow.
I hope the up to £64 million grant from the government is sufficient for Associated British Ports (ABP) to turn the harbour into a world-class floating wind facility and that the Treasury haven’t been too mean.
BW Ideol, ABP To Explore Serial Production Of Floating Wind Foundations At Port Talbot
I wrote a post with this name in December 2023, before the leases for the Celtic Sea windfarms had been awarded. As one has been awarded to EDf Renewables, BW Ideol seem to have made a good move.
BW Ideol have a web page, which describes their concrete floating wind foundations manufacturing line.
I hope South Wales has got enough concrete?
UK Continues Offshore Wind Expansion With 6 GW Leasing Round Planned For Early 2027
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
The Crown Estate has unveiled plans for the UK’s Offshore Wind Leasing Round 6 to be held in the first half of 2027, targeting the development of at least 6 GW of new capacity.
These three paragraphs add some details.
The upcoming leasing process will focus on areas primarily located in the northeast of England. The sites are expected to be suitable for fixed-bottom offshore wind projects and will be brought forward following market and stakeholder engagement, including the National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) strategic plans for energy and for electricity networks, which will inform the exact capacity of the upcoming leasing round and refine specific site details and locations.
The Crown Estate said on 26 March that it had begun a programme of market engagement ahead of the official launch of a new leasing round, and is seeking market views on commercial approaches to the leasing round “to understand the potential viability and market appetite.”
The UK seabed manager said that it had also identified other areas of seabed opportunity across the South West, Wales and other regions which may form the basis of subsequent leasing rounds through the Crown Estate’s new seabed management tool, the Marine Delivery Routemap, which is being used for the first time in Round 6.
In Renewable Power By 2030 In The UK, I calculated how much offshore wind could be commissioned up to 2030.
These were my results.
This gives these yearly totals, if I use pessimistic dates.
- 2025 – 1,235 MW
- 2026 – 4,807 MW
- 2027 – 5,350 MW
- 2028 – 4,998 MW
- 2029 – 9,631 MW
- 2030 – 15,263 MW
This adds up to a total of 58,897 MW.
But This Doesn’t Include Round 5 Or Round 6!
But the article on offshoreWIND.biz does, say this about Round 5.
The Crown Estate’s previous leasing round, Round 5, focused on floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, covering areas off South Wales and South West England and targeting up to 4.5 GW of capacity. The round awarded seabed rights to Equinor, Gwynt Glas, and Ocean Winds, with individual project development areas of up to 1.5 GW. Agreements for lease were recently signed for all three Round 5 sites.
The article also indicates that 6 GW can be expected from Round 6.
Which gives a total of 69,397 MW or 69.4 GW.
No wonder the UK Government can back the steel industry, with press releases like this UK Steel Industry Backed By Major New Trade Measure And Strategy.
Lots of renewable energy, is the new rich!
Centrica Partners With Ceres Power On Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
The title of this post, is the same as this article on gasworld.
This is the sub-heading.
UK multinational energy and services company Centrica is partnering with clean tech firm Ceres Power to accelerate solid oxide fuel cells [SOFCs] production to meet forecasted ‘multi-gigawatt’ demand from industrial customers across Europe.
These three paragraphs indicate the market opportunity, that Centrica feel, that the partnership will fill.
With electricity grid connection delays impacting new industrial, commercial and digital projects, the UK and Europe are experiencing a widening gap between demand and available capacity.
Centrica aims to offer customers high‑efficiency, low‑carbon, grid independent on‑site power that can be deployed much faster than gas turbines or nuclear.
Group Chief Executive Chris O’Shea said by collaborating with Ceres’ technology it sees an opportunity to support data centres, AI and industry with cleaner power at scale. Ceres claims SOFCs can be manufactured and delivered on site to get power online “in months not years”.
It certainly sounds feasible to drop in an appropriate-sized stack of fuel cells and connect them up to the gas main.
These two paragraphs, indicate how Ceres will support Centrica.
Initially, Ceres will support Centrica in expanding a new differentiated service-led model for clean power, providing access to British technology through its expanding network of global manufacturing partners.
Ceres will assist Centrica with opportunities across project origination, installation and commissioning, remote monitoring, predictive maintenance and end of life recycling.
I have a few questions for Google AI.
Do Ceres Fuel Cells Emit Carbon Dioxide?
Google AI replied this.
Yes, Ceres Power has developed Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology, known as the SteelCell®, that works on natural gas. This technology is specifically designed to be fuel-flexible, capable of converting grid natural gas into electricity at high efficiency.
Key Details About Ceres Fuel Cells and Natural Gas:
Technology Capability: The Ceres SteelCell runs on natural gas, as well as future-focused fuels like hydrogen and biogas.
Application: These fuel cells are used for distributed power generation in homes, businesses, and industrial settings (such as AI data centres).
Efficiency: When running on natural gas, the SOFC systems can achieve an electrical efficiency of around 62%, with total efficiency exceeding 90% when combined with heat recovery.
Emission Reductions: Compared to conventional combustion engines, the technology offers a 30% reduction in carbon emissions.
Current Strategy: As of early 2026, Ceres is focusing on natural gas-fueled SOFCs for stationary power markets, particularly in collaboration with partners like Centrica to address power shortages in the UK and Europe.
While the systems can be used for hydrogen in the long term, they are currently fully functional with natural gas, making them a “bridge” technology for decarbonisation.
A 30% reduction is surely worthwhile!
In What Size Are Ceres Power Holdings Fuel Cells Manufactured?
Google AI replied this.
Ceres Power Holdings’ solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology is manufactured in modular, scalable sizes, with individual stacks ranging from 10-50 kW and commonly deployed in 1-5 MW power modules. These stacks are produced at manufacturing facilities with capacities like 50MW (e.g., with partner Doosan), with plans for up to 100MW annual capacity.
Key manufacturing and size details include:
Cell Component: 30–150W.
Stack: 10–50 kW.
Stack Array/Module: 100–500 kW, up to 1-5 MW modules.
Manufacturing Capacity: 50MW production facility in South Korea (Doosan), with plans for 100MW+ annual capacity in future plants.
Applications: Primarily stationary, distributed power systems for AI data centres, industrial decarbonisation, and commercial buildings.
Ceres licenses its technology to partners like Bosch and Doosan, with cell technology based on low-cost printed steel substrate
How Much Power Does A Top Of The Range MRi Scanner Use?
I am asking this question, as it is surely something you might power with a Ceres fuel cell powered by natural gas.
Google AI replied this.
A top-of-the-range MRI scanner (such as a 3-Tesla or 7-Tesla system) is highly energy-intensive, consuming substantial power 24/7 to maintain its superconducting magnet. During active scanning, power usage often ranges from 25 kW up to 80 kW or more.
Here is a breakdown of the power consumption for high-end MRI scanners:
Power Consumption Breakdown
Idle/Stand-by Mode (24/7): The machine constantly consumes roughly 6 to 7 kW for background cooling (liquid helium refrigeration).
Standard Scanning: Productive scanning sessions typically demand around 25 kW.
High-Demand Scanning: Demanding examinations (e.g., head examinations with EPI sequences or special angles) can cause power usage to surge to 70 kW to 80 kW.
System Total: A 3T MRI, including cooling systems (chillers) and peripheral electronics, might require a 3-phase, 480V, 200A supply—roughly equivalent to the capacity of six modern houses.
Conclusion
This seems to be a deal with a large number of possibilities.
Speaking from my past experience of banks and financing, where the bill is ultimately paid by a reputable individual or company like Shell or BP, I believe that Centrica will have no difficulty in financing lots of these systemsusing instiutions like Lloyds or Deutsche Bank.
EasyJet’s New Slimline Seats Will Offer 2 Inches More Legroom
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article in The Times.
This is the sub-heading.
The Kestrel seat’s thinner design promises improved knee and shin clearance. Could the ‘fixed recline’ feature also lead to fewer spats over space?
These three paragraphs add more detail to the story.
As budget airlines try to squeeze more and more passengers onto flights, it can feel as though the seat in front gets slightly closer every time you step on a plane.
But a “next generation” economy seat is coming, which its makers say will give travellers extra legroom with no loss of space for airlines.
The Kestrel seat from Mirus Aircraft Seating, a British manufacturer, will be installed from 2028 on hundreds of easyJet’s new aircraft, providing an extra two inches of “improved knee and shin clearance” for passengers.
Hopefully easyJet’s passengers will be sitting more comfortably.
UK Steel Industry Backed By Major New Trade Measure And Strategy
The title of this post, is the same as that of this press release from UK Government.
These three bullet points act as sub-headings.
-
Landmark new Steel Strategy sets ambition for up to 50% of steel used in the UK to be made in the UK, boosting production from 30%.
-
UK will introduce new trade measure to support national security by preserving vital steel production for critical national infrastructure and defence.
-
Steel import quotas will be reduced with higher tariffs of 50% outside of quotas, ensuring the UK steel sector’s future in the face of global overcapacity.
These three paragraphs add details.
On a visit to Tata Steel Port Talbot to meet steelworkers and launch the Strategy, the Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle announced the Government’s ambition to boost domestic production so that it can meet up to 50% of our domestic demand for steel, and secure the industry’s role in supporting vital UK sectors like infrastructure, defence and clean energy.
Building on the direct financial support the government has made so far, the National Wealth Fund will be the government’s main mechanism for providing up to £2.5 billion of financing for investment in the steel sector this Parliament. The Steel Strategy forms a vital part of the Government’s activist and strategic approach to British industry, taking decisive action to give businesses the certainty and support they need in uncertain times and bolstering the UK’s resilience.
Today, the UK also announces that from 1 July 2026, overall quota levels for steel imports will be significantly reduced by 60% compared to current arrangements, and steel coming into the UK above these levels will be subject to a 50% tariff.
The Anonymous Widower 