The UK is at the forefront of the latest technological innovations in offshore wind in the field of robotics, autonomous systems, new materials and manufacturing, and data and digitalisation. This, along with ORE Catapult’s unique combination of world-leading test facilities, was key in attracting GE Renewable Energy to the UK and selecting ORE Catapult to be its partner in accelerating to market the largest wind turbine and longest blade in the world through an advanced, representative testing and validation programme.
The Catapult has continued to develop its capability for the representative testing of 10MW-plus platforms with the installation of the world’s most powerful grid emulation system and hardware in the loop system testing, giving the Catapult one of the most sophisticated powertrain testing platforms in the world: the perfect platform for bringing future energy systems to commercialisation. Our agreement with GE was further strengthened with the announcement of the four-year Stay Ashore! research and development programme. The £9m plan will aim to improve reliability, reduce unplanned maintenance and lower operating costs for next-generation turbines, while minimising human intervention, offering the UK supply chain an unparalleled opportunity to development new products and services to support these next-generation technologies.
