The National Renewable Energy Centre (NAREC) in Northumberland is making good progress with a £300 million project to test the viability of new wind turbines. The offshore anemometry hub is located three miles off the coast of Blyth, near to a site where 15 giant turbines are set to be constructed as part of a demonstration project.

Featuring a 103m tall meteorological mast, the hub will be used to measure wind speeds, observe marine conditions and collect information about marine life. The data gathered will help inform whether the proposed site for the giant turbines is viable. As well as monitoring turbine performance, the hub will also provide a ‘shop window’ for companies wanting to test and prove new offshore wind technologies in realistic marine conditions and water depths.

It’s hoped that the work taking place at the hub will play a major role in commercialising the offshore wind industry by reducing development costs in the future.

Wilding says: ‘This pioneering facility places NAREC firmly at the forefront of European research and development for offshore wind. Most Round 3 wind farms will be built at sites with similar conditions to the hub’s location, so the data it provides will be invaluable.’

Source: NE Business