National Wind Development Centre (FUJIN)

This project seeks to address a gap in the renewable energy market
for the testing of large scale devices such as offshore wind gear
boxes, drive trains and generators. It will assist the North East in
continuing to attract major corporate investment in the renewable
energy market and complement significant manufacturing and R&D
opportunities in the local supply chain.
This project will support the design, management and build of a
specialised building to house large scale test infrastructure for the
renewable energy market; particularly offshore wind energy. Such a
facility will help accelerate major UK Government initiatives such as
the Energy Technologies Institute's (Ell) Offshore Wind Programme
that will invest in world class test infrastructure for the rapid
deployment of large scale devices in the UK market. Through formal
discussions with the ETI, One NorthEast and NaREC have received a
commitment in principle that capital funding will be available to
support the procurement of specialised equipment to be utilised in
this facility.
The investment will assist in the continued success of NaREC and its
ability to offer the energy industry world-class leading edge facilities
that benefit both industry and local academia. There is considerable
interest from major manufacturers to utilise such a facility and
replicate investment into the North East such as that secured
through Clipper Wind Power.
Further, it will truly establish the North East (UK) as a major hub for
offshore wind technology development in the global market place
and contribute significantly to the overall security of supply and
climate change agenda in relation to energy.