The University of Bristol and the National Composites Centre were confirmed as strategic university partners with Vestas, the global leader in sustainable energy solutions.

The Bristol Composites Institute and National Composites Centre will prioritise innovative sustainable solutions in collaboration with Vestas, consisting of the largest wind turbine fleet with over 182GW of wind turbines installed in 88 countries. According to the UN, over 60% of all greenhouse gas emissions are associated with the energy industry, making it the priority area to focus on tackling climate change.

Bold targets were announced for the wind industry, playing a critical role in decarbonisation plans for the national power system, and if achieved, will make the UK a clean energy leader by 2030.

The Bristol Composites Institute provides sustainable composite solutions by applying scientific measures to benefit society. It represents the largest composite-based university centre in the UK and partnered with Vestas in 2009.

Professor Alberto Pirrera of the Bristol Composites Institute explains that they’re looking forward to working closely with Vestas on research and technological innovation that can advance the wind industry and contribute towards a sustainable future.

Composites are the only material applicable for large wind turbine development due to their advanced lightweight and favourable properties. Meeting the rising demand for net zero targets and end-of-life solutions for used blade technology is a growing challenge. 

The Strategic University Partnership represents one of three global partnerships providing a long-term collaboration to focus on Vestas-funded projects to support technology progression and achieve industrial goals. Kasper Roed Jensen, VP of New Concepts at Vestas R&D, explains that the National Composites Centre and Bristol Composites Institutes combine excellence in research and collaboration with industry, making them ideal partners for businesses like Vestas that need the latest composite material and manufacturing insights.

Richard Oldfield, CEO of the National Composites Centre, emphasised how they are leading the efforts to continue the progression of green industry technologies, particularly for new wind turbine solutions.

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