Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult has chosen two companies, IDOM and RENK Group, as preferred contractors to support the expansion of its blade and drive train testing facilities. The upgrades aim to keep the UK at the forefront of offshore wind technology development, backed by £85.6 million in capital funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
IDOM, a multinational engineering and architecture services firm, will lead the construction of a new blade testing facility designed to exceed future industry standards for certification. RENK Group, a German manufacturer specializing in propulsion and drive train systems, will oversee the installation of a new test rig at the Catapult's Blyth facility, increasing its capacity from 15MW to 23MW.
The facilities are designed for future scalability, with blade testing extending up to 180 meters and drive train capacity up to 28MW. These advancements are expected to support the next generation of wind turbines.
Tony Quinn, ORE Catapult's Director of Technology Development, emphasized the importance of these upgrades: “The upgrade to our blade and drive train test and validation capabilities is a vital part of our future roadmap, a critical contribution to the UK's Net Zero and Energy Security Strategy.”
