ORE Catapult has signed an agreement with Bladena to carry out full-scale testing of blade reinforcement technology intended to extend the operating life of offshore wind turbines. The programme at ORE Catapult’s National Renewable Energy Centre in Blyth will use an 88-metre blade for torsional load testing to assess how the reinforcement performs under twisting forces similar to those experienced offshore.
ORE Catapult will develop a bespoke test methodology to examine how the technology affects blade response. The work builds on research by Bladena and partners including the Technical University of Denmark and the Danish Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Programme. Testing is due to begin in January 2026, with preparations underway. Bladena is part of RES.
