Ness Point wind turbine back in action following successful overhaul

News

16 Dec 2024

The nacelle and blades have been replaced to secure the turbine’s long term future.

Article written by anna.cooper

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Ness Point wind turbine in Lowestoft, aka “Gulliver”, is fully operational again after undergoing a major overhaul to secure its long term future. The nacelle and blades at the top of the tower have been successfully replaced and refurbished, with final testing and commissioning complete.

Thrive has made a significant investment in Gulliver, which is now nearly 20 years old, to ensure it runs reliably into the future – generating clean power for homes and businesses across the UK. The 2.75MW turbine is capable of generating clean electricity for more than 2,200 average UK homes a year.

“We’d like to thank local people in Lowestoft for their patience while we’ve been working to find the best solution to secure Gulliver’s long term future. Watching the blades spinning again, we’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact the turbine will have for many years to come.”

Adrian Warman, Head of Operations, Thrive Renewables

The replacement turbine parts fitted during the overhaul are refurbished parts from a windfarm in the Netherlands – a great example of reuse. The blades and nacelle were thoroughly assessed and tested and are expected to operate efficiently for years to come.

Gulliver’s old blades are currently being repurposed into bicycle shelters in the Netherlands. Other components have been made available for resale or are being broken down for recycling.

Since Thrive invested in the project in 2005, Lowestoft has become a growing hub for renewables. The Orbis Energy Centre has been established next door to Ness Point wind turbine – a flagship focus for the east of England’s renewables network and home to a range of innovative organisations supporting the sector. Lowestoft is also central for servicing the growing number of offshore wind farms in the area.

In the latest round of Thrive’s Community Benefit Programme which provides energy efficiency grants to community hubs near its projects, Seething and Mundham Village Hall near Ness Point was awarded £980 to install LED lighting. The measures will help the popular community centre reduce its energy bills and carbon footprint.

Works taking place during overhaul of Ness Point wind turbine.