Huge wind turbine component arrives in Blyth

One of the World’s largest offshore wind turbine components has made its way into Blyth Docks, for testing at Narec.

The 450-tonne shipment of wind turbine nacelle, the gearing and generator mechanism that sits on top of the turbine tower behind the blades which converts power from the wind into electrical energy.

It will be subject to 150mph winds and harsh climatic conditions as part of the six-month testing programme, beginning this autumn.

Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has developed the giant prototype as part of its plans to manufacture 7MW turbines, which would have double the wind-generating capacity of the current largest offshore wind turbines operating in the UK. Just one of the super-size turbines would have the potential to generate enough power for 5,700 homes annually.

If the tests are successful it will boost the confidence of developers to invest in SHI’s technology for the next round (Round 3) of offshore wind developments that will be sited further out at sea. This in-turn will increase the likelihood of SHI investing £100 million in a new manufacturing plant in the UK, potentially creating 500 jobs in the area.

This will be the first commission for Narec’s pioneering new independent testing facility which has seen a £25 million investment by the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI), a public-private partnership between global energy and engineering companies and the UK Government.

The ETI has invested in the design, development and commissioning of the indoor test rig by GE Energy-Power Conversion and MTS Systems Corporation. The overall project cost £47M to develop.

Andrew Mill, Narec’s Chief Executive said: “We’re delighted to be working with SHI on the accelerated lifetime testing of their next-generation turbines.

“The information we gather during testing will contribute significantly to SHI’s understanding of the design and performance of their technologythat will ultimately help reduce the manufacturing and operating costs of the turbines and make energy production through offshore wind power far more competitive with other energy sources.”

Universities and Science Minister David Willetts said: “It’s good to see that Samsung’s nacelle uses a gearbox that has been designed and built in the UK. Our Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy sets out how we aim to grow the supply chain so that more of the work and jobs can be done here.

“The Government is helping UK supply chain companies to become more competitive through a Manufacturing Advisory Service programme called GROW, funded by £20 million from the Regional Growth Fund.”

Dr David Clarke, CEO of the Energy Technologies Institute said: “The delivery by Samsung Heavy Industries of its turbine is a major milestone for Narec and the wider UK Offshore Wind industry.

“This is evidence that the UK can create world leading engineering facilities that can attract global industry operators providing welcome economic stimulus into the country and advancing technology innovation in a growing industry.”

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