The Port of Blyth has launch a year-long campaign to mark 25 years of involvement in the offshore wind sector.
The port’s history within the sector started in 1993 when the Blyth Harbour Wind Farm was established as the first of its kind in the UK operating in a ‘marine environment’, featuring nine 0.3MW turbines on the East Pier. In 2000 it became home to the UK’s first demonstration offshore wind farm – two turbines with a rotor diameter of 66m, which were the largest installed offshore in the world at the time – generating enough power to supply around 2,000 homes during their operation.
In 2013 the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult was established in Blyth, becoming the UK’s leading innovation and research centre for offshore wind, and two years later it installed the world’s most advanced blade testing facility in Blyth, capable of testing blades up to 100m in length, cementing the region’s role in global offshore wind innovation.
The milestones laid the foundation for the Port’s reputation as a leading hub for renewable energy, supporting a range of offshore wind operations while also providing infrastructure and services to support the growth of the sector over the last quarter century.
Today, the port continues to support some of the largest offshore wind farm projects in the world and is home to Energy Central, a supply chain of over 50 companies supporting the offshore wind sector. Its Energy Central Campus is also working hard to train up and nurture the next generation of clean energy workers.
To mark the 25 year anniversary the port is set to celebrate the milestone throughout the year, by engaging with its stakeholders and the North East community, reflecting on the past 25 years and looking forward to the future as a leading hub for renewable energy.
CEO Martin Lawlor says the port has remained at the forefront of the industry’s development, contributing to the growth of the sector and supporting the transition to renewable energy.
Mr Lawlor said: “The Port of Blyth has been at the forefront of the offshore wind industry for 25 years. This campaign not only celebrates our pioneering past but also underscores our ongoing commitment to advancing the UK’s renewable energy transition and supporting the continued growth of the offshore wind sector.
“We are delighted to share our journey with the community, our partners, and stakeholders as we look towards the future of clean energy.”
