The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult today officially unveiled its 7MW demonstration offshore wind turbine in Levenmouth in Scotland.
The demo turbine was acquired by ORE Catapult from Samsung Heavy Industries in December 2015.
ORE Catapult said: “The turbine offers UK industry and academia an unrivalled opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of a wide range of technologies as well as the operations and maintenance aspects of offshore wind turbines, with the ultimate goal of reducing the cost of energy.”
It is working closely with academic and industry stakeholders to align the demo’s research programme with industry priorities to drive cost reduction in offshore wind.
ORE Catapult is also working with local partners, including Fife Council, Fife College, Levenmouth Academy, Skills Development Scotland and the Energy Skills Partnership, to develop and deliver educational and training programmes
ORE Catapult chief executive Andrew Jamieson said: “The Levenmouth demonstration turbine will play a major part in the development of future technologies to lower the cost of offshore wind.
“It offers opportunities for UK supply chain and technology development and, sitting so prominently at the heart of the Levenmouth communities, it is vital that the turbine also plays a role in locally developing and supporting the next generation of Scottish engineers, who will ensure that Fife enjoys a bright future thanks to renewable energy.”
Image: the Levenmouth turbine (ORE Catapult)
