Ming Yang Smart Energy signs testing agreement with ORE Catapult

10 November 2025 – Ming Yang Smart Energy, the largest private wind turbine manufacturer in China, has today announced that it has signed a contract with the UK’s Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult to undertake testing and validation of the main bearing for Ming Yang Smart Energy’s 18.5 MW offshore wind turbine.

Under the agreement, the test piece is scheduled to arrive at ORE Catapult’s National Renewable Energy Centre in Blyth, Northumberland, in the coming months. It will be subjected to simulated real-world conditions that replicate the loads and operating environment an 18.5 MW offshore wind turbine would experience at sea.

This marks Ming Yang Smart Energy’s first testing agreement with ORE Catapult and builds on ORE Catapult’s extensive experience of testing and validating major new technologies that have gone on to play a significant role in the UK’s offshore wind sector.

Marc Sala, Vice President Engineering and Technology Europe at Ming Yang Smart Energy, said: “This partnership with ORE Catapult is a major milestone in Ming Yang’s strategic engagement with the UK market and represents an important step forward for our local operations.

By working with ORE Catapult’s world-leading test facilities, we can accelerate the introduction of our 18.5 MW offshore turbine to the UK and wider international markets with proven reliability, reinforcing our position as a global leader in advanced wind turbine technology.”

Steve Foxley, Chief Executive of ORE Catapult, said: “Offshore wind will play a central role in the UK’s journey to delivering Clean Power 2030 and achieving Net Zero in the years beyond.

This collaboration highlights the vital role ORE Catapult plays in supporting that transition by providing independent validation of quality and reliability, helping developers and the wider sector to make informed choices.”