The world’s first rapid testing facility for tidal turbine blades, which researchers say can speed up development of marine energy technologies while helping to reduce costs, has opened for business.
The world’s first rapid testing facility for tidal turbine blades, which researchers say can speed up development of marine energy technologies while helping to reduce costs, has opened for business.
FastBlade’s pioneering technology will stress test blades made from composite materials – which must withstand harsh ocean conditions for 20 years – more quickly, and using significantly less energy than any other facility of its kind, the team says.
Based in Rosyth, Fife, the £4.6 million facility – which was officially opened today (Friday, 13 May 2022) by UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord – aims to maintain Scotland’s position at the forefront of tidal energy development.
Read more at University of Edinburgh
Image: FastBlade's 75-tonne reaction frame fitted with a tidal turbine blade. (Credit: Lesley Martin)
