Setting up an Offshore Wind Test Centre

Through the Centre of ”Østerild”, the Danish experiences and lessons learned are highlighted from the planning and operation an Offshore Wind Test Centre. Photo: Danish Offshore Wind Test Centre of Østerild. Photo credits: DTU.

Along the coast of north-western Denmark lies the Offshore Wind Test Centre of Østerild. Østerild is one of the best places to test large wind turbines in Denmark due to the fact that the test centre is close to the coast with lots of wind. In order to test the large wind turbines, a mean wind speed at 100 metres height of at least eight metres per second is needed. Since 2012, the Test Centre has been operational with seven test sites for prototype wind turbines and up to 250 meters in tip height. In 2018, the Centre was expanded with additional two sites, making it possible to test wind turbines up to 330 metres high in seven of the nine test sites.

The Test Center Østerild and its role in the further development of large-scale wind turbines are an integrated part of the Danish experience, expertise and innovation in transforming the energy system at an affordable and competitive price. This can be valuable to the Indian government in establishing and expanding the country’s the country’s offshore wind sector and enabling it to achieve its renewable energy goals.

Why are offshore wind turbines tested on shore?

The reason why manufacturers test their offshore wind turbines on shore is that there is always direct

access to the wind turbines when the technicians during the test period need to change components,

maintain, and service the turbines. Offshore, there are long periods where it is not possible to work on the

turbines and it is unrealistic to test prototype wind turbines at sea.

Multiple criteria guiding the planning and operation of a test facility

The lessons learned on the deployment of a test centre are that the planning and operations must be guided by a series of criteria, including:

• High wind conditions;
• Sufficient space for the test site, including wind field and test area;
• Good infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, harbor and power lines;
• Easy access to a skilled workforce
• Proximity to promising offshore sites, including also access to harbors;
• Minimum interference in nature/environment and minimum impact on neighboring households.

These lessons learned have been shared and discussed with the National Institute of Wind Energy, who has expressed a strong desire to gain value from the Danish experience and draw lessons learned from the planning and operation of Denmark’s Offshore Wind Test Centre Østerild. This is supporting the scoping and definition of objectives of a potential National Test Centre for Offshore Wind Turbines at Dhanuskodi.

Public and private support are pivotal

The Danish Technical University (DTU) is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the center. However, a national test centre for offshore wind is a costly long-term investment, which requires strong political support and economic willingness from both public and private stakeholders. Therefore, the planning and operation of a test centre should be done in close cooperation with industry and authorities. This partnership between public and private stakeholders takes time to form and strong leadership is needed. Moreover, the interests and priorities are diverse, including:

• Government authorities have an interest in transforming the energy system while also attracting investment and creating jobs.
• Industry expects fair and easy access to internationally excellent and certified test facilities at a competitive price, close to manufacturing facilities and promising offshore wind sites.
• Like industry, R&D institutions need excellent test facilities for both research and educational purposes, and also to be seen as attractive cooperation partners for industry and academic partners from around the world.

Living up to the international certification standards

The Test Centre Østerild is an integral part of the status of DTU Wind Energy as one of 27 global certified renewable energy test centers. This means that all the measurements and tests performed at the center follow the highest international standards to the benefit of both industry and academic customers.