Work starts on offshore wind demonstration site
WORK has started on an offshore wind demonstration site in Blyth.
Secretary of state for business, innovation and skills Vince Cable visited the National and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) in Blyth last Thursday to mark the start of construction of the new 15m marine test rig being developed at the centre.
Dr Cable was in south east Northumberland as part of a regional tour to see how investment in low carbon technology is creating jobs and promoting growth in the region.
At the site in Blyth he observed the start of ground works for Project
Nautilus – a new 3MW marine drive train technology development and testing facility.
It will provide a purpose built structure that utilises the marine testing docks on the NaREC site, and support research and development into marine low carbon technologies.
Dr Cable said: "I am supporting the north east and in particular NaREC because of the fantastic work it does.
"NaREC is one of the leading places in the world for renewable energy and we want to do what we can to promote it.
"The future of economy will be in the industry with low carbon.
"It's vital that British-based companies are supported to take advantage of new opportunities in the renewables sector and the testing facilities here at NaREC are key to encouraging more investment in the country."
Project Nautilus is the first of a number of site developments planned over the next two years, which will also see the construction of a new 100m blade test facility, and 12MW drive train facility for the offshore wind industry.
NaREC chief executive Andrew Mill said: "NaREC is the key enabler for the UK's renewable industry.
"We are providing world-leading independent facilities and expertise to help industry to overcome the technical and market challenges.
"This will enable to the UK to fulfil its ambitions and optimise the economic benefits from renewables.
"Our new facilities have been designed to ensure we are at the forefront of the global technology race for renewable energy products and services."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Blyth
Monday 21 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North
