The world’s longest wind-turbine blade has arrived at the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult’s testing facility in Northumberland, where it will be put through its paces in the coming months.

The 107m-long LM Wind Power blade (the first blade to exceed 100m) is designed to operate on GE Renewable Energy’s Haliade-X 12MW turbine, which is also the largest to date.

It will undergo a full range of advanced testing procedures, demonstrating its ability to withstand peak wind conditions and proving its readiness for operation at sea. Three other 107m blades will soon be shipped to a prototype site in the Netherlands.

The Haliade-X 12MW is intended to make offshore wind more affordable and help developers to drive the global growth of this technology.

ORE Catapult chief executive Andrew Jamieson (www.ore.catapult.org.uk) said: “We’re delighted to have taken delivery of the world’s longest blade at our Blyth test facility, where we will put it through an extremely rigorous testing programme designed to make sure it can withstand years of operation at sea.

"This 107m blade, which is larger than the total wingspan of an A380 aircraft, represents a huge milestone for our
industry and will be part of the innovative Haliade-X 12MW next-generation offshore wind turbine.

"Testing these world-leading technologies here in the UK cements our position as a global leader in offshore wind.”

LM Wind Power’s vice-president of engineering, Hanif Mashal, said: “LM Wind Power has broken the size record once again with this 107m blade.

"We are proud to begin its global validation programme in the UK, where we have a long-term strategic partnership with ORE Catapult to test new products, including our previous record-breaking blade — at 88.4m long.

"Through our advanced-technology development hub in Southampton, we look to continue our co-operation with UK-based technology and R&D entities.”