Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult’s National Renewable Energy Centre in Northumberland, U.K., is currently working towards development of an advanced wind turbine blade and drive train testing assets, with the aim of delivering a boost to the country’s offshore wind growth.
UKRI will provide £85.6m of capital funding for the center’s expansion of its testing facilities, designed to test blades up to 150 meters and drive trains up to 23 MW.
The new facilities are expected to enable faster turbine development through test, validation and certification.
“This investment in truly world-leading capability will keep the U.K. at the forefront of offshore wind technology development,” says Andrew Jamieson, ORE Catapult chief executive.
“It will enable ORE Catapult to continue to 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.”
The blade test hall and drive train test facility are expected to be commissioned by 2028.
