Blyth testing centre to trial giant wind turbine

A North East renewable energy research facility is set to test components from one of the world’s most powerful offshore wind turbines.

The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, based in Blyth, has signed an agreement with Chinese manufacturer Ming Yang Smart Energy to carry out testing and validation on the main bearing of its 18.5MW turbine – the largest model in its portfolio.

The test piece will arrive at ORE Catapult’s National Renewable Energy Centre in the coming months, where it will undergo rigorous trials simulating the demanding conditions faced by offshore turbines at sea.

This marks the first collaboration between ORE Catapult and Ming Yang Smart Energy, whose partnership underscores the UK’s growing role in supporting global innovation in offshore wind technology.

Bosses say the testing programme will help advance turbine performance and reliability, contributing to the continued expansion of renewable energy worldwide.

Steve Foxley, chief executive at ORE Catapult, said: "Offshore wind will play a central role in the UK's journey to delivering Clean Power 2030 and to achieving net-zero in the years beyond.

“Today's announcement highlights one of the many vital roles ORE Catapult plays in supporting that transition – providing independent validation of quality and reliability, helping developers and the wider sector make informed choices.”

Marc Sala, vice president of engineering and technology Europe for Ming Yang Smart Energy, added: “For Ming Yang, this partnership with ORE Catapult is a major milestone in our strategic push into the UK market and marks a decisive breakthrough for our local operations.

“By partnering with ORE Catapult’s world-leading test facilities, we will bring our 18.5 MW offshore turbine to the UK – and wider international markets – quickly and with proven reliability, further strengthening our global leadership in high-end wind technology.”

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