The Port has officially launched a £1m Wind Turbine Training Facility complete with a full sized, specially modified wind turbine aimed at providing unique, high quality training opportunities to the renewables industry.
In a first for the UK wind industry, the bespoke facility is part of the Port’s significant investment in training aimed at the offshore energy sector and is now available for hire through the Port’s award-winning training division Port Training Services.
The facility was opened by Leader of Northumberland County Council Glen Sanderson, with presentations to local and regional business leaders and live practical demonstrations of the facility in use.
Martin Lawlor, Chief Executive of Port of Blyth, said: “We’re delighted to officially launch the Wind Turbine Training Facility with the support of the sizeable supply chain located at the Port and leading players in the renewables sector in the North East in attendance.
“Our commitment to improving the prospects of local people entering the offshore energy sector has been significant, be it through our active STEM hub, our leading schools and university partnerships or our award-winning post 16 subsea and renewables diploma, and we know that this training facility will be another key tool for both the community and the industry.”
The facility features a modified, former operational wind turbine for practical training alongside a dedicated training centre with modern classrooms and facilities. The turbine features a duplicate nacelle unit designed for safe training at height with the original nacelle located at ground level for technical training.
Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council, said: “With many major offshore wind related projects being completed at the Port and the river being home to the world leading Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, it is safe to say that the renewables sector is playing a huge role in both the growth and reputation of the Port of Blyth and indeed the resurgence of the town itself. I’m looking forward to the wind technicians of the future based locally taking their first steps into the industry via this superb facility.”
Port of Blyth is home to some of the world’s most prominent offshore energy companies and has been involved in a number of internationally significant projects. Its strategic mid North Sea location ensures it is also well placed to support the installation and operation of wind farms down the UK’s east coast. The Port’s multi million pound investment in the Bates Clean Energy Terminal, where the training turbine is located, is set to provide a state of the art terminal with a wide range of low carbon initiatives aimed at the renewables sector.
For further information on the opportunities available at the Bates Clean Energy Terminal and Port of Blyth’s capabilities in the offshore wind sector or to discuss your requirements with us, please contact Head of Commercial Alasdair Kerr on 07917 374 384. For further information on the Wind Turbine Training Facility, please contact Port Training Services’ Business Development Manager Paul Parry on 07519 108 187.
