An Isle of Wight-based company that has developed advanced vertical axis wind turbines has announced plans to relocate to the Sandwich Discovery Park in Kent (pictured).
The company, X-Wind Power, hope that over 100 jobs will be created in the next five years following the move.
Grants have aided innovation
Since starting out in 2010, the company has been successful in winning vital grants from the Technology Strategy Board, as well as the Department of Energy and Climate Change.
Chief Executive, Michael Blaize told OnTheWight,
“X-Wind very first prototype was developed on the Isle of Wight and is currently being tested along the edge of the Medina river. Our company’s disruptive technology has attracted key support from the Technology Strategy Board and the Department of Energy and Climate Change, enabling the difficult transition from concept to reality in just a year.”
Partnership with National Rail
X-Wind Power have recently secured a partnership with National Rail, so you may see their innovative turbines on the side of train lines in the future.
Michael went on to say,
“Having secured a partnership with the largest energy user in the UK, namely Network Rail, and with exciting potential of installing thousands of X-Wind turbines along railway tracks, our company is now embarking on the critical transition from start-up to a more mature business having to sustain significant growth.”
Difficult decision to relocate
Michael finished by saying,
“Securing a Regional Growth Fund from Kent but also the strong infrastructure, talent pool and supply chain we discovered there locally, were key factors in making the difficult decision to move away from the Island. We are completing the validation of our technology and are in the midst of closing our second round of funding, which will enable us to complete the development of our flagship 80kW turbine.”
One person from the three-strong team will be relocating from the Isle of Wight.
