§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of wind turbines operating in the UK were manufactured domestically.[7877]
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§ Mr. Wilson[holding answer 15 October 2001]: The proportion of wind turbines operating in the UK that were manufactured domestically is estimated to be just under 6 per cent. The proportion containing UK components is estimated to be at least 43 per cent.
Much more British manufacturing of wind turbines and components is expected in the future. Aerolaminates have moved into a new larger factory with much greater capacity on the Isle of Wight. As well as blades, they are now supplying some complete turbine rotors to their parent company, NEG-Micon. Cambrian Engineering have manufactured, or have orders, for 95 per cent. of the wind turbine towers to be installed in the UK this year. Vestas, who are among the world-leaders in wind turbine manufacture, announced in June that they are to start UK operations at Machrihanish near Campbeltown in the west of Scotland where their new factory will create 124 direct jobs and 44 associated jobs.