The world’s most advanced wind turbine test facility will be built in Blyth, Northumberland, as part of an £86m investment in wind power R&D facilities that will slash CO2 emissions and grow the economy.
The new test facility, based at the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult’s National Renewable Energy Centre, will test, validate, and certify turbines and is expected to prevent 2.5 million tonnes of CO2 emissions—twice the amount of CO2 emitted by the Newcastle population in a year.
The funding will go towards building a 150-metre blade test facility that will replicate the harsh conditions at sea, with potential for future expansion to 180 metres.
This will mean the facility is capable of testing the largest blades currently on the market and in near-future development.
Dr Adam Staines, UKRI Infrastructure Portfolio Director, explained: “The project in Blyth demonstrates that investment in the right infrastructure can reduce CO2, support greater energy independence and drive economic benefits.”
Building a UK offshore wind supply chain
The new R&D infrastructure will support the growth of UK supply chains and the industry’s goal of 60% of offshore wind farm content coming from the UK.
Currently, it’s the second-largest offshore wind market in the world and represents more than 40% of European offshore wind capacity.
It will also encourage investment in our country’s fast-growing offshore wind sector, benefiting our businesses and, in turn, our economy while supporting the UK’s commitment to reaching net zero by 2050.
The wind turbine test facility—the only site in the world testing both turbine blades and drive trains—will create at least 30 new jobs in Blyth and support five PhDs a year. It will also open doors for highly skilled and highly paid local jobs to help level up the UK.
Science, Research and Innovation Minister Andrew Griffith said: “This innovation will strengthen the UK’s energy security in an uncertain world and help us pivot towards the cleaner energy that can preserve our planet for generations to come.”
Introducing larger, more efficient wind turbines
Testing the larger blades and more powerful drive trains before the turbines are put to work offshore helps manufacturers accelerate the introduction of the new wave of larger, more efficient machines, which generate more power and reduce the chance of failure in practice.
Designs are well advanced with a view to commencing construction this summer and to the major upgrade to its 15MW drive train test facility, with both expected to be fully commissioned by 2028.
“The test facility will deliver the most advanced research and development infrastructure and expertise to the offshore wind industry, capturing the jobs and economic growth from the transition to a net zero economy,” concluded Andrew Jamieson, ORE Catapult Chief Executive.
