Ming Yang Smart Energy, a private wind turbine manufacturer based in China, has entered a testing agreement with the UK’s Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult to validate the main bearing of its 18.5 MW offshore wind turbine. The test component is expected to arrive at ORE Catapult’s National Renewable Energy Centre in Blyth, Northumberland, in the coming months, where it will undergo simulations replicating the real-world conditions faced by operational turbines at sea.
This agreement represents the first formal testing partnership between Ming Yang Smart Energy and ORE Catapult and builds on the latter’s extensive experience in evaluating cutting-edge technologies that have contributed to the UK’s rapid offshore wind expansion.
Steve Foxley, Chief Executive of ORE Catapult, said:
“Offshore wind will play a central role in the UK’s journey to delivering Clean Power 2030 and to achieving Net Zero in the years beyond. Today’s announcement highlights one of the many vital roles ORE Catapult plays in supporting that transition – providing independent validation of quality and reliability, helping developers and the wider sector make informed choices.”
Marc Sala, Vice President for Engineering and Technology Europe at Ming Yang Smart Energy, added:
“For Ming Yang, this partnership with ORE Catapult is a major milestone in our strategic push into the UK market and marks a decisive breakthrough for our local operations. By partnering with ORE Catapult’s world-leading test facilities, we will bring our 18.5 MW offshore turbine to the UK—and wider international markets—quickly and with proven reliability, further strengthening our global leadership in high-end wind technology.”
The collaboration is part of the UK’s broader strategy to accelerate the deployment of offshore wind as a key component of the clean energy transition, aiming to meet ambitious targets under the Clean Power 2030 programme and contribute significantly to the nation’s Net Zero objectives. By validating the performance of the 18.5 MW turbine’s main bearing, the project ensures that Ming Yang Smart Energy can introduce its high-capacity offshore technology with confidence in both reliability and operational efficiency.
The testing will provide critical data on the turbine’s resilience under conditions such as high wind speeds, saltwater exposure, and variable load stresses, ensuring that the component meets the demanding standards required for offshore deployment. This initiative demonstrates both companies’ commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the UK’s growing role in global offshore wind markets.
