Mingyang Smart Energy has entered its first collaboration with the UK’s Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult to test and verify the main bearing for its 18.5MW offshore wind turbine. The agreement marks a significant step in the Chinese company’s expansion into the UK market.

The main bearing will be shipped to ORE Catapult’s National Renewable Energy Centre in Blyth, Northumberland, in the coming months. Once delivered, it will undergo a series of simulated offshore operating conditions designed to reflect the mechanical and environmental stresses encountered by turbines at sea.

According to Marc Sala, Mingyang’s vice president for engineering and technology in Europe, the partnership represents a key milestone in strengthening the company’s presence in the UK. He stated that cooperation with ORE Catapult’s advanced facilities would help bring the company’s 18.5MW turbine to market with proven reliability, enhancing Mingyang’s role in high-performance wind technologies.

ORE Catapult chief executive Steve Foxley noted that offshore wind is central to the UK’s Clean Power 2030 ambition and longer-term Net Zero goals. He emphasized that independent testing and validation are essential to ensuring quality and reliability across the industry.

The collaboration follows confirmation of plans for an offshore wind turbine factory in Scotland, despite some lawmakers voicing security concerns.