ORE Catapult agrees contract with drive train specialist for new UK offshore wind testing facility

The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult has appointed RENK Test System GmbH to design, manufacture and install a new drive train test rig at the National Renewable Energy Centre in Blyth, Northumberland.

Following confirmation in 2024 of a dedicated capital funding grant from UKRI, the Catapult announced its intention to expand and upgrade its testing facilities to enable the evolution of the next generation of wind turbines and keep the UK at the forefront of technology development in offshore wind.

One of the world’s leading manufacturers of customised test systems for research & development, RENK Test System GmbH, will lead on the design, manufacture and installation of the new test rig at the Catapult’s existing drive train facility, which will see capacity increased from 15MW to an initial 23MW. To future proof this investment, the test rig will be capable of further expansion to 28MW to meet future industry demand.

Tony Quinn, Director of Technology Development at ORE Catapult, said: “During the rigorous procurement process, RENK proved their ability to find solutions to a complex set of requirements. We are delighted to have reached an agreement with the company to proceed with this significant upgrade to our drive train test and validation capability. Not only is this a critical part of the Catapult’s own future roadmap, but it will also make a substantial contribution to wind turbine technology development in the UK, as well as the country’s Energy Security Strategy and Net Zero commitment.” 

Mathias Karrer, Managing Director, RENK Test System GmbH, said: “Over the past nine months, ORE Catapult and RENK experts have been working together to design an unprecedented test system. A nacelle test rig that will set a new standard in terms of load performance, realistic testing and test accuracies. This result was made possible by combining numerous RENK core technologies from different RENK entities. We are very proud to have been contracted as a trusted partner for the realisation of this test rig.”

Adam Staines, Head of UKRI’s Infrastructure Fund, which provided the investment, said: “The UKRI Infrastructure Fund invests in the facilities and equipment essential for researchers and innovators across the UK to make the discoveries that improve lives and livelihoods for everyone. This project will ensure that the UK is able to develop the next generation of wind turbines, keeping us at the forefront of offshore wind technology.”

Ian Meikle, Director of Net Zero Heat and Power at Innovate UK, said: “These late-stage research and development facilities, combined with ORE Catapult’s extensive expertise in test and demonstration, will ensure that turbine manufacturers can accelerate their technology development in the UK with reduced risk and enhanced reliability for a new wave of larger, more efficient machines.  Which will contribute to the UK’s 2030 Clean Energy mission and net zero by 2050.”

Initially announced in tandem with plans to develop a larger offshore wind blade test facility, it is intended that the upgrades to the drive train test facility will be completed by late 2027. Meanwhile, the Catapult is working with key partners to finalise arrangements and designs for the next generation of blade testing capability which will be announced in due course.