Electronics giant Samsung will be the first manufacturer to test a prototype of its new 7MW offshore wind turbine at a newly constructed test facility in the UK.

Specially built to test next generation offshore wind turbines, the £48 million National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) in Blyth, Northumerland was completed last month. Samsung Heavy Industries’ (SHI) will test the drive train for its wind turbine at Narec where its performance will be monitored under offshore operating conditions, including extreme weather events.

The 15MW capacity Wind Turbine Drive Train Test Facility at Narec (pictured) is an open access, onshore facility for all turbine developers on a commercial basis and can test turbines up to 10MW at up to 50% over power.

Business and Energy Minister Michael Fallon said: “Britain has a real chance to lead the world in the offshore wind sector and is being supported by Government. Samsung Heavy Industries’ decision to undertake the testing of its new multi-megawatt offshore wind turbine at Narec’s pioneering test facility proves the benefits the facility can offer industry and demonstrates the opportunity for growth and jobs in the offshore sector.”

The UK Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) is investing £25 million in the design, development and commissioning of the offshore wind turbine test rig.