Siemens makes waves in offshore wind with Newcastle University project

Siemens is collaborating with Newcastle University and offshore specialist ALE to undertake an R&D programme supported by Regional Growth Fund money.

As one of the most ambitious development programmes in offshore to date it focusses on the provision for future energy transmission for the offshore wind industry.

Offshore activity is growing and this means systems are being deployed further out to sea. The project will design substations and platforms for use up to 80kms out to sea.

The centre piece of the project is wave tank modeling, part of the wider Offshore Platform Reference Design project - managed by Blyth-based Narec.

Steve Jones, director – Engineering and Technology Siemens Power Transmission said: “The wave tank project is really leading-edge R&DD and something that we have been using in Siemens along with other methodologies to test these structures. In looking at the UK, where we play a lead role in the offshore industry, we were keen to work with local partners who could compliment our in-house expertise.

“The University of Newcastle and Staffordshire based ALE were perfect choices, enabling us to leverage experts from both our Manchester and Newcastle offices on this key project.”

Peter Bowes, facilities manager, School of Marine Science and Technology at Newcastle University added: “Newcastle University’s expertise and state-of-the-art extensive testing facilities are well placed to support Siemens in addressing the practical challenges presented in the developing the deployment of Topside structures in the North Sea and helping to validate and inform computer simulations.

“Such strategic interactions inform our teaching and research in this area, which will ensure that the excellent employability record for our graduates will continue to be maintained into the future.”

Alan Waggott, chief engineer, Narec said: “Narec is delighted to see this project entering the test and demonstration phase; it is playing a pivotal role in preparing the industry for the deployment and installation of HVDC platforms.”

The project is one of six being managed by Narec which is involved in the Government’s RGF Wind Innovation Programme, focused on supporting investment and economic growth in the UK offshore wind industry.

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