ORE Catapult agrees contract for facility capable of testing 28-MW offshore wind turbines

Renk Test System will design, manufacture and install the new drive train test rig at the National Renewable Energy Centre in Blyth, Northumberland.

Following confirmation in 2024 of a dedicated capital funding grant from UKRI, the Catapult announced its intention to expand and upgrade its testing facilities to enable the evolution of the next generation of wind turbines and keep the UK at the forefront of technology development in offshore wind.

One of the world’s leading manufacturers of customised test systems for research and development, Renk Test System will lead on the design, manufacture and installation of the new test rig at the Catapult’s existing drive train facility, which will see capacity increased from 15 MW to an initial 23 MW. To future proof this investment, the test rig will be capable of further expansion to 28 MW to meet future industry demand.

ORE Catapult director of technology development Tony Quinn said, “We are delighted to have reached an agreement to proceed with this significant upgrade to our drive train test and validation capability. 

Not only is this a critical part of the Catapult’s own future roadmap, but it will also make a substantial contribution to wind turbine technology development in the UK, as well as the country’s Energy Security Strategy and net-zero commitment.” 

Renk Test System managing director Mathias Karrer described the new testing facility as “unprecedented” and said the nacelle test rig “will set a new standard in terms of load performance, realistic testing and test accuracies.”

Initially announced in tandem with plans to develop a larger offshore wind blade test facility, it is intended the upgrades to the drive train test facility will be completed by late 2027. 

Meanwhile, the Catapult is working with key partners to finalise arrangements and designs for the next generation of blade testing capability which will be announced in due course.