Gargantuan wind turbine blades nearly one-and-a-half times the length of a football pitch will soon be put through their paces in a new £86 million UK testing facility announced today.
The groundbreaking center in Blyth, Northumberland aims to accelerate development of larger, more powerful offshore wind turbines that are key to meeting Britain’s net zero emissions target.
World-Leading R&D Hub
With capacity to test blades up to 180 meters long – three times bigger than the cultural Angel of the North sculpture – the new site will be the world’s most advanced wind turbine testing location. It builds on the UK’s leadership in offshore wind research and development.
Science Minister Andrew Griffith heralded the facility as “pioneering innovation” that will create skilled jobs in the northeast while attracting investment and helping secure Britain’s future energy independence.
“Our £86 million funding will grow the economies of the North East and wider UK,” Griffith said. “It will also mark our country as a leader in technologies of the future as well as a global capital for wind power.”
How the Turbine Testing Site Will Work
- Replicates harsh offshore conditions to validate wind turbine designs
- Tests both massive turbine blades up to 180m and generators up to 28MW
- Only facility globally approved for full-system turbine certification
- Projected to prevent 2.5M tonnes of CO2 emissions by getting new turbines to market faster
Boosting UK’s Green Economy
In addition to the Blyth hub’s advanced testing rigs, the funding will support five annual PhD researchers and create at least 30 new jobs in the coastal town. It’s expected to encourage more UK companies to invest in the domestic offshore wind supply chain.
“This investment in truly world-leading capability will keep the UK at the forefront of offshore wind technology development,” said Andrew Jamieson, CEO of the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult overseeing the project. “It will enable us to capture the jobs and economic growth from the transition to a net zero economy.”
Alternative Views
However, some question if the level of UK government support goes far enough, with offshore wind still comprising under 5% of the country’s electricity last year. Labour’s climate spokesman argued more urgent action is needed to capitalize on Britain’s offshore wind potential and meet emissions targets.
Alan Whitehouse MP said:
“While this new facility is certainly welcome, the Conservatives have failed to properly unlock the green jobs revolution promised. We need to be pivoting to renewable sources like offshore wind at an exponentially faster rate.”
Construction Slated for Summer 2023
Detailed designs for the Blyth site are already well advanced, with the intention to commence construction this summer. With the existing 15MW drive train testing facility also receiving upgrades, the full complex is expected to be fully commissioned by 2028.
As the UK strives to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 while ensuring energy security, the new turbine hub could prove pivotal in balancing economic, environmental and geopolitical priorities. The race is on to develop the next generation of massive offshore wind farms.
Sources: THX News, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology & Andrew Griffith MP.
