EDF to develop largest UK offshore wind testing facility

EDF Energy Renewables (EDF ER) has acquired both seabed and land rights to develop the largest offshore wind testing facility in the UK.

The Blyth Offshore Wind Demonstration Project in Northumberland has consent for up to 15 turbines, with a small testing area to install and trail new technology and will provide EDF ER with “an opportunity to grow its experience and expertise”.

EDF ER said it hoped to gain experience in choosing foundations and installing and operating large turbines, and has entered into an agreement to develop research and development projects with Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult (ORE Catapult).

The Crown Estate, which manages the UK seabed, offered the site to the market earlier this year while ORE Catapult – who managed the planning process then as the National Renewable Energy Centre – simultaneously launched a competitive process for the grid connection, onshore land rights and wind data.

The project now awaits a final investment decision on building the site next year.

EDF ER chief executive, Christian Egal, said: “Offshore projects present their own unique challenges for developers and having the opportunity to install, and operate much larger machines than we’ve done previously could give us vital experience to take to other projects around the UK and other EDF sites abroad.”

Head of offshore wind at The Crown Estate, Huub Den Rooijen, said: “Blyth offers an opportunity to test new technologies capable of driving down the cost of offshore wind development and unlocking new areas of resource off our coast.”

“Having an experienced developer like EDF on board is an important step towards unlocking the potential of this site, and enabling new innovations that build on the UK’s reputation as a world leader in this sector.”