Ming Yang Smart Energy, the largest private wind turbine manufacturer in China, and the UK’s Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, have today announced the signing of a contract to provide testing and validation of the main bearing for Ming Yang Smart Energy’s 18.5 MW offshore wind turbine.

The test piece is scheduled to arrive at ORE Catapult’s National Renewable Energy Centre in Blyth, Northumberland, in the coming months and will be subjected to simulated real-world conditions that replicate what an operational 18.5 MW turbine would experience out at sea.

This is the first testing agreement that ORE Catapult has signed with Ming Yang Smart Energy and builds on years of experience of testing major new pieces of technology that have gone on to play big roles in the UK’s expansion of offshore wind.

ORE Catapult Chief Executive Steve Foxley, said:

“Offshore wind will play a central role in the UK’s journey to delivering Clean Power 2030 and to achieving Net Zero in the years beyond.

“Today’s announcement highlights one of the many vital roles ORE Catapult plays in supporting that transition – providing independent validation of quality and reliability, helping developers and the wider sector make informed choices.”

Marc Sala, VP Engineering and Technology Europe for Ming Yang Smart Energy, said:

“For Ming Yang, this partnership with ORE Catapult is a major milestone in our strategic push into the UK market and marks a decisive breakthrough for our local operations.

“By partnering with ORE Catapult’s world-leading test facilities, we will bring our 18.5 MW offshore turbine to the UK—and wider international markets—quickly and with proven reliability, further strengthening our global leadership in high-end wind technology.”