Narec selects SeaRoc to install research facility for 100MW offshore wind project

The UK National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) has selected SeaRoc for a multi-million pound contract to install Offshore Anemometry hub to measure wind resource and to collect marine conditions and marine life data.

SeaRoc will install the Anemometry hub three nautical miles off the coast of Blyth in Northumberland, UK, near the proposed 100MW capacity Blyth offshore wind demonstration site.

The research facility will start measuring the wind resource in October and the measured data will be used to supplement the analysis of the conditions of the offshore demonstration site collected over the last 2 years.

Narec CEO Andrew Mill said the new facility will provide greater certainty of wind resource to enable the centre to leverage the additional investment that will make it a ground for next generation and cost reducing offshore wind technologies.

"SeaRoc was selected to deliver the full installation service because of their proven track record in offshore renewables and ability to meet our project timescales," Mill added.

"This is a one-off specialist engineering solution and we have been impressed with their innovative approach."

SeaRoc operations director Toby Mead said, "The Blyth Offshore Wind Demonstration Site is key to the future of Offshore Wind, both in the UK and globally – SeaRoc are very aware of this and believe there is enormous value for the offshore renewable sector in the development of the Narec site."

SeaRoc will hire a jack-up vessel to unload the tripod foundation, science platform and met mast tower sections from the Port of Tyne.

The fully assembled hub will weigh over 700 tonnes and when placed the meteorological mast tower will stand over 100m above sea level.