Samsung Heavy Industries, a South Korean engineering company, has delivered its 7MW offshore wind turbine nacelle to the National Renewable Energy Centre's (Narec) new test facilities in Blyth, Northumberland.
The move is said to be the next step in the evolution of the mega-sized technology, which is to be used in the Round 3 offshore wind zones.
Narec is expected to utilize the 7MW nacelle in the commissioning of £47m, 15MW capacity test facility, followed by a six-month testing program on the nacelle.
Narec chief executive Andrew Mill said that it was fantastic to see the delivery of Samsung’s nacelle as it brings their company closer to seeing the next-generation technology becoming a reality.
"It also sends out a strong signal to the rest of the World that the UK is leading the way in implementing a more efficient route to market, a critical factor in the future success of the offshore wind industry," Mill added.
The turbine will be tested to the harshest climatic conditions including wind gusts of up to 150mph will be simulated within the Narec facility to note and rectify performance issues before the technology is deployed offshore.
The Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) has invested £25m in the 15MW test facility, which is aimed at supporting the industry’s drive to make offshore wind power generation more competitive and reducing the costs associated with at-sea failures.