Following the formalisation of the joint venture between Vestas and Mitsubishi in April, the task for developing the 8MW offshore turbine was passed wholly to MHI Vestas.
However, Vestas are continuing to develop the blades on behalf of the new JV at the Isle of Wight facility. MHI Vestas does not own any part of the R&D facility there.
A spokesperson for Vestas said operations at the R&D site on the Isle of Wight, which was developing the prototype blades for the turbine, was "continuing as normal" from before the JV. The facility is used to test all of the firm's prototype blades.
A Vestas spokesman said all the blades had been manufactured and were currently being tested at the unit on the island, off the UK's south coast.
Separately, the JV's launch also coincided with the departure of Vestas UK research and development (R&D) managing director Robert Sauven. Sauven announced his resignation in October but remained employed by the manufacturer until the spring.
During his time as managing director of R&D in the UK, Sauven oversaw the development of the company's blade development facility on the Isle of Wight.
Sauven has since taken up a role at UK developer RES as a director. He also joined the Offshore Wind Investment Organisation as a special advisor, which was set up to encourage investment in the UK offshore sector.
Severt Sert was appointed as head of Vestas' UK R&D unit on a permanent basis after taking the role temporarily following Sauven's departure.
.png)
.png)
