Offshore Modular Blade Arrives at ORE Catapult

Blade Dynamics’ prototype ‘D78’ blade has arrived at the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult’s test, demonstration and research centre in Blyth, Northumberland, ahead of a planned six month testing programme.

The blade has been designed and manufactured in both the UK and USA and made its way, from the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, to the UK for commissioning and testing.

Its modular assembly design is unique, enabling larger, more effective turbines with reduced weight and higher performance. The final stages of the manufacturing process can be completed close to the installation or deployment site, allowing manufacturing to be distributed around the country and providing a route for the future export of blade components from the UK.

The only offshore assembly blade in the world will undertake approximately six months of testing at the Catapult’s facilities in Blyth.

Pepe Carnevale, CEO of Blade Dynamics, said: “This high performance 78m modular assembly blade will undergo static and dynamic testing here in the coming months. Independent verification that the technology is reliable is an important step in the progression towards serial installation. We are also actively exploring demonstration opportunities for our 78m blades.

“This incredible 78m blade has only been possible with the tremendous support of the ETI, who’s commitment and vision is accelerating this game changing innovation into UK offshore wind and the UK economy. The company would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone else within the UK wind sector including DECC, TSB, The Carbon Trust, the Catapult network and others who continue to make the UK a great environment for innovation in offshore wind.”