Funding deal for £86m wind turbine test centre

The world’s most advanced wind turbine blade and drive train testing centre will be built in Blyth, Northumberland following an £86.5m funding deal.

The new facility will be based at the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult’s National Renewable Energy Centre.

Construction is scheduled to start this summer on the 150-metre blade test facility that will replicate the harsh conditions at sea.

A contractor is yet to be confirmed for the scheme.

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”.