UK Gets First Wind Turbine Training Facility in Port of Blyth

With the rapid growth of renewable energy providing the North East of the UK with major inward investment opportunities, the skills gap that currently exists in the sector is a key barrier to growth.

The facility has benefitted from funding from the Coastal Communities Fund. The investment has enabled the Port of Blyth, through its award winning training arm Port Training Services, to purchase, modify and install an old Vestas V47 turbine, develop a dedicated training facility alongside the turbine and purchase specialist equipment. The erected turbine features a duplicate nacelle unit for safer use with trainees while the original nacelle is located at ground level for technical training.

Port of Blyth’s Chief Executive, Martin Lawlor, said: “Seeing the turbine being hoisted into position is a great milestone for us. Port Training Services has been at the forefront of the port skills agenda for many years and this development represents a huge opportunity for them to widen their offering to a high growth sector in the coming years."

The turbine will offer clients the opportunity for realistic training in relation to working at height, rope access, blade repair & inspection techniques, advanced rescue and emergency response simulation.