Turbine manufacturer MHI Vestas Offshore Wind is seeking over 400 production employees and engineers for its Danish production facilities in Nakskov and Lindø to help meet the increasing demand for the V164-8.0 MW turbine platform.
After recruiting over 100 manufacturing jobs at its UK facility on the Isle of Wight last November, MHI Vestas is now recruiting 414 additional employees at its nacelle and blade factories in Denmark.
The current hiring wave will nearly double the number of employees at the two factories, MHI Vestas said.
“The additional positions are a positive reflection of the market’s increasing interest in the 8 MW platform and MHI Vestas in general. They are good for the communities of Nakskov and Lindø, and good for Denmark as we continue to develop regional competence centers with highly skilled employees,” MHI Vestas CEO Jens Tommerup said.
The announcement comes as the offshore wind sector continues to see costs decline, making wind energy more affordable for consumers.
Through the development of the V164-8.0 MW turbine, MHI Vestas said that the company ”has played an integral role in lowering the cost of energy and hastening the elimination of government financial support, a key priority for the wind industry and for Denmark.”
Danish Minister for Energy, Utilities, and Climate, Lars Christian Lilleholt , said: “I’m very happy for this news, which cements Denmark’s global leadership position in the wind industry – a position which the Government wants to expand further by, among other things, building several test sites for land and offshore wind power, as well as launching a screening of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea for possible locations for additional offshore wind power. Over 400 new Danish jobs is gratifying for growth and employment in Denmark and in particular, the regions on Fyn and Lolland. We must bear in mind that Denmark only is a source of inspiration for other countries if the Green conversion is cost-effective and supports growth, competitiveness and employment.”