Vestas, a prominent Danish company in the wind energy industry, is making significant strides in Taranto, Italy, by developing a hub for large offshore wind turbines.
The company has increased its workforce from 700 last year to approximately 1, 700 employees and aims to reach 2, 000 by 2025.
Manpower is actively recruiting 30 additional maintenance technicians to support this growth.
The V236 wind turbine blade, manufactured in Taranto, measures 115.5 meters in length, covers an area of 43, 000 square meters, and weighs 60 tons.
Transporting it from the Vestas facility to the port takes four hours over a five-kilometer distance.
This development is part of a journey that began in Taranto 26 years ago, according to Francesco Amati, general manager of Vestas Italy.
The blade will power a 15-megawatt turbine, primarily serving the Northern European market, which is currently more advanced than the Mediterranean region.
To bolster its Taranto operations, Vestas has signed an agreement with Invitalia for partial investment funding and secured a nine-year concession for a logistics platform from the Ionian Sea Port Authority.
The initiative aligns with the strategic objectives of the Taranto port, focusing on offshore wind energy component assembly and launch.
The proposal was chosen for its concrete sustainability plan, addressing social, environmental, and economic aspects.
Italian Deputy Minister Valentino Valentini emphasizes the growing importance of wind energy in Italy, highlighting the creation of a skilled workforce and the blend of advanced technology with Italian craftsmanship.
Valentini also stresses the aesthetic appeal and energy independence provided by wind turbines, advocating for a diverse energy mix that includes clean nuclear, wind, and solar power.