Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult

Facilities to support the energy sector

ORE Catapult, Blyth provides a number of benefits to companies working in and supporting the energy sector, this includes:

• The world’s most comprehensive open access and independent test and research facilities.
• Wind turbine blade testing facilities which undertake structural testing of blades up to 100m in length (dynamic and static) in accordance with IEC and ISO standards.
• 1 MW, 3 MW and 15 MW power train testing facilities which are capable of performing independent performance and reliability appraisals of full systems and components.
• Electrical infrastructure facilities, including UKAS-Accredited HV and Materials Laboratory, HV insulation breakdown testing up to 600kV AC, 1MV DC and a dynamic cable test rig.
• An open access offshore anemometry platform.
• Subsea and marine testing facilities, including three subsea docks for both wet and dry conditions, including a replica seabed, for controlled subsea testing. This controlled saltwater environment is used in trials and demonstrations of new and innovative technologies.
• The Disruptive Innovative Test Centre, which is used to develop and accelerate high potential, innovative technology, from early-stage development to market ready products or services.
• Shop floor space and facilities, crane lifting, large payload access and office space.
• A multi-disciplined team of highly qualified engineers and technical specialists who have in-depth experience in renewable energy technologies.

As the UK’s leading technology innovation and research centre for offshore renewable energy ORE Catapult is playing a key role in delivering the UK’s net zero targets by accelerating the creation and growth of UK companies in the offshore renewable energy sector.