Oxfordshire to host UK floating offshore wind testing facility

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 06:02 · Archive

HR Wallingford plans to build a facility in Oxfordshire to test floating offshore wind turbine designs under simulated deep-sea conditions.

HR Wallingford plans to submit a planning application for the UK Deep Water Testing Facility (UKDTF) at Howbery Business Park in Wallingford, Oxfordshire. The facility would enable developers to test turbine designs and supporting platforms under simulated deep-sea conditions, supporting the next generation of floating wind technology.

The UKDTF will help engineers demonstrate that floating wind designs are safe and reliable in extreme conditions, providing reassurance for investors and reducing long-term operational costs. The facility supports the UK's renewable energy goals by accelerating the commercialisation of floating offshore wind and reducing the need for expensive maintenance interventions.

Ridha Bentiba, joint CEO at HR Wallingford, said the organisation is 'the ideal organisation to develop and operate the facility' given its independence, long history of physical model testing and years supporting the offshore wind industry. HR Wallingford already owns and operates other testing facilities at Howbery Business Park and designs and supplies wave generation systems used in its existing labs.

The project is part-funded by The Crown Estate's £50 million Supply Chain Accelerator.

How it is being reported

• Oxfordshire facility to test floating offshore wind turbinesHR Wallingford, an independent research and consultancy organisation, plans to submit a planning application for the UK Deep Water Testing Facility.Oxford Mail · 25 Oct, 05:00
• Oxfordshire facility to test floating offshore wind turbinesHR Wallingford, an independent research and consultancy organisation, plans to submit a planning application for the UK Deep Water Testing Facility.Oxfordshire Guardian · 25 Oct, 05:00

In this story: HR Wallingford · Howbery Business Park · Wallingford · Oxfordshire · The Crown Estate · Ridha Bentiba

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