Advanced turbine technology

As the UK expands its offshore wind capacity, advanced turbine technology has become critical to retaining its leadership in generation capacity deployment.

The UK is seeking to be a leader in high-value manufacturing and technology development in the sector. This will in turn drive economic growth and job creation. The Industrial Growth Plan identifies opportunities in manufacturing of blades, as well as development of next generation drivetrains and towers. IGP projects a demand for 900 blades and 300 towers between now and 2030.

While the UK currently manufactures turbine blades at scale, it lacks domestic capabilities to manufacture towers and turbine drivetrains. Developing capability in this area represents a long-term market opportunity for the UK supply chain. The IGP identifies opportunities in increasing blades manufacturing capacity, advanced leading-edge protection, incorporating advanced materials into turbine designs and employing automated processes for blade and high-value component manufacturing.

A concentrated effort to enhance the UK’s ability to produce high-value turbine components, such as towers and blades, could deliver a gross value add of between £4.9 – £8 billion over the next decade.