UK: SHI to Test 7MW Offshore Wind Turbine at Narec

Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) will test the drive train for their seven megawatt (MW) offshore wind turbine at the National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) in Northumberland, this summer. 

Andrew Mill, Chief Executive at Narec, said: “This is fantastic recognition for the team involved in getting the first independent test facility of this scale ready for the new breed of multi-megawatt offshore wind turbines. We are delighted that SHI has chosen to undertake performance and endurance testing in the controlled onshore laboratory at Narec as part of their design validation process. The project is a message of intent from SHI and outlines the route to market which other turbine manufacturers will progressively have to follow if they are to be considered to supply UK Round 3 sites.”

The SHI nacelle is being shipped to Narec where it will be used to commission the 15MW rated independent wind turbine nacelle test facility. This will be followed by a six month programme of testing where its performance will be monitored under simulated offshore operating conditions, including extreme weather events.

Business and Energy Minister, Michael Fallon, said: “Britain has a real chance to lead the world in the offshore wind sector and is being supported by Government.  Samsung Heavy Industries’ decision to undertake the testing of its new multi-megawatt offshore wind turbine at Narec’s pioneering test facility proves the benefits the facility can offer industry and demonstrates the opportunity for growth and jobs in the offshore sector.”

The Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) is investing £25m in the Narec facility through the design, development, supplying and commissioning of the test rig by GE Energy-Power Conversion and MTS Systems Corporation.

David Clarke, CEO of the Energy Technologies Institute, said: “The confirmation of the Samsung Heavy Industries contract is a massive boost for both Narec and the UK Offshore Wind industry as a whole. It is evidence that the UK can create world leading engineering facilities for advancing technology innovation, which are attracting major industry operators and provide a welcome economic stimulus in a growing business sector.”

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Press release, June 19, 2013; Image: Narec