Capital finance from UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Infrastructure Fund is expanding and upgrading facilities at the National Renewable Energy Centre, enabling the evolution of the next generation of wind turbines.
As the only site in the world be able to test both turbine blades and drivetrains, it will create at least 30 new jobs in Blyth and support five PhDs a year when fully operational.
The investment will deliver a boost to UK growth from offshore wind, encouraging investment and benefiting business and the economy.
It will also support the UK’s pledge to reach net zero by 2050.
Fully equipped for companies to test
Located within the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, it will provide a fully equipped facility for companies and innovators to test, validate and certify the latest turbine blade and drivetrain technologies.
ORE Catapult’s expertise is in test and demonstration.
The facilities will ensure that turbine manufacturers can accelerate their technology development in the UK with reduced risk and enhanced reliability for a new wave of larger, more efficient machines.
As well as keeping the UK at the forefront of offshore wind technology development, the resulting innovations are expected to prevent 2.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Scope for up to 180-metre blades
Among the additions and upgrades is a new 150-metre blade test facility, which will replicate the harsh conditions at sea, with the option to expand its scope to 180-metre blades. Meanwhile the existing 100-metre blade test facility is being repurposed to increase capacity.
The ORE Catapult is the UK’s leading innovation centre for offshore renewable energy, established in 2013 as part of a network of Catapults serving high-growth industries. It operates in:
- Glasgow
- Blyth
- Levenmouth
- Aberdeen
- the Humber
- the east of England
- south-west England
- Wales
Supporting UK business growth
The Innovate UK Catapult network provides a unique combination of cutting-edge research and development facilities and world class technical expertise. The network supports UK business growth and is a critical element of Innovate UK’s portfolio of products and services, its overall offer to drive business innovation in the UK.
Andrew Jamieson, ORE Catapult Chief Executive, said:
This investment in truly world-leading capability will keep the UK at the forefront of offshore wind technology development.
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.
Vital infrastructure investments
Dr Adam Staines, UKRI Infrastructure Portfolio Director, said:
UKRI continues to make the vital infrastructure investments that will underpin innovation and research throughout the UK for the coming decades.
The project in Blyth demonstrates that investment in the right infrastructure can reduce CO2, support greater energy independence and drive economic benefits that build world-class places to live and work, as well.
Working across UKRI with Innovate UK’s Catapult Network and the wider supply chain will help achieve these crucial objectives.
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