Levenmouth Turbine granted decade-long extension

Operators of the Levenmouth offshore wind demonstration turbine have been granted a 10-year extension to continue their research and technology development.

ORE Catapult were awarded a Section 36 consent variation by the Scottish Government meaning they can continue their work until 2029.

The turbine will continue to offer the UK industry and academia an unrivalled opportunity to develop new technologies at the site.

The additional time will also help improve a deeper understanding of the operations and maintenance aspects of offshore wind turbines – ultimately reducing the cost of energy and creating more jobs.

ORE Catapult claim the current value of ongoing projects involving the 7MW turbine amounts to more than £11 million.

Over the past four years, the offshore development has supported more than 50 companies across the UK.

The turbine also provides the blueprint for a state-of-theart Immersive Hybrid Reality system installed at Fife College that is used for training the next generation of offshore wind turbine technicians.

Andrew Jamieson, chief executive of ORE Catapult, said: “This consent extension is really welcome news.

“Accessing real-world operational sites to test and demonstrate new products and services can be a real barrier to small companies looking to break into the offshore wind market.

“The turbine has been at the heart of UK offshore wind industry development for the last four years, and it will now continue to play its part for many more.”