Speaking to Windpower Monthly last month, Gamesa marketing director Juan Diego Diaz revealed the switch to Arinaga Quay in Gran Canaria. At the time, he was unable to confirm whether the Chesapeake project would proceed.
In February last year, Gamesa and shipbuilder Northrop Grumman decided to base their offshore wind turbine development programme at Chesapeake, Virginia.
Speaking about the decision Gamesa CEO Jorge Calvet said: "The offshore wind power market is developing at a firm pace. However, demand is being tempered by economic and financial factors and the difficulties being encountered by developers in accessing credit.
"The authorities are firmly committed to the development of offshore wind power in major markets such as the UK, Germany, France and China. Based upon the current situation, the US market appears to be set to develop later than others. Regional and country specific market conditions warrant even more rational decision-making process than ever, from both the technology and financial standpoints."
Until recently it looked as though Chesapeake would host the first offshore wind turbine in US waters after it was approved by the US Army Corps of Engineers and the US Coast Guard. This represented the final hurdle before the prototype 5MW offshore wind turbine could be deployed.
Beyond market conditions, Gamesa said Gran Canaria was chosen for its wind conditions and other technical considerations.
The turbine is set to be manufactured in the UK, after Leith
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