Europe’s leading wind turbine manufacturer, Vestas, has decided to pause its plans to build a major wind turbine blade factory in Szczecin, Poland. The project was expected to open in 2026 and create over 1,000 jobs, but it has now been suspended due to lower-than-expected demand for offshore wind energy across Europe.
Vestas had originally planned to produce blades for its powerful offshore wind turbines at the new facility. The decision, however, highlights the growing challenges in Europe’s wind energy sector, including high production costs, supply chain delays, and weaker investment confidence.
Industry experts say that European offshore wind targets may not be fully met. Although the EU, UK, and Norway have set a goal of reaching at least 129GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, analysts estimate that only 84GW is realistically achievable under current conditions.
The suspension is also a setback for the Polish government, which is trying to reduce its dependence on coal by expanding renewable energy and building a local manufacturing base. Offshore wind remains crucial to Poland’s energy strategy, with major projects such as the €4.7 billion Baltic Power venture, which will use Vestas turbines.
However, any slowdown from European manufacturers could leave space for Chinese companies to enter the market, raising concerns about Europe’s long-term energy independence.
Despite the pause, Vestas said it will continue investing in areas where demand is strong and market conditions are stable. Experts believe that stronger government support and clearer energy policies will be essential to revive confidence in the offshore wind industry.
