EDF Energy Renewables (EDF ER) has announced that it has acquired the rights to develop the Blyth Offshore Wind Demonstration Project near the port of Blyth in Northumberland, securing both the seabed rights from The Crown Estate, and associated land rights and meteorological data from the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult.
The site, the largest consented offshore wind testing facility in the UK, was taken through the planning process by the National Renewable Energy Centre (now the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult). The site can accommodate up to 15 turbines and provides a testing area to install and trial new technology in realistic conditions before commercial operation. EDF Energy R&D and ORE Catapult have also entered into a collaboration agreement with the aim of developing R&D projects to tackle some of the key technology challenges facing the sector. This could help reduce the risks associated with emerging technologies. EDF ER is expected to make a final investment decision on building the site next year.
