ORE Catapult Setting Up Wind Blade Research Hub

The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult is establishing a Wind Blade Research Hub and seeking to collaborate with a UK-based University to accelerate offshore wind turbine blade research and development activities.

The Hub is aimed at building a stronger, complementary offering of academic research, innovation, demonstration and representative testing for the offshore renewable energy sector, and by combining academic and industry skills and resources it will better respond to industry’s needs.

ORE Catapult is seeking submissions from universities interested in joining the Hub, which will help shape ORE Catapult’s future wind blade research and development plan.

Ignacio Marti, ORE Catapult’s Innovation & Research Director, said: “With important challenges ahead in blade design, materials, manufacturing, ancillary systems and sensors, this is an exciting time for blades research, with significant opportunities for product-driven research.

“By pooling existing academic and industry skills and resources, we are better able to respond to industry’s needs, driving forward vital research and helping to leverage further competitive R&D funding and revenue.”