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The 5G PORTAL (Ports and Offshore Renewable Technology Accelerator Lincolnshire) is an innovative “living lab” equipped with advanced 5G technology, designed to revolutionize the port of Grimsby and the Lynn and Inner Dowsing wind farm. Launched at the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult’s Operations and Maintenance Centre of Excellence, this groundbreaking initiative marks a significant milestone in the offshore renewable energy sector.
Backed by Innovate UK and the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, the £2.8 million project aims to accelerate the development of next-generation digital technologies essential for the UK’s goal of deploying 50GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030. The 5G PORTAL offers technology providers a unique opportunity to develop, test, and demonstrate their equipment in real-world conditions, supported by reliable, high-speed communications infrastructure. This initiative is expected to attract global participants from the offshore wind industry.
Graham Stuart, the Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, emphasized the critical role of new technologies in sustaining the growth of offshore wind energy. The 5G PORTAL’s high-speed communications infrastructure provides an ideal setting for testing and refining innovative digital technologies, which will enhance the intelligence, safety, and environmental sustainability of wind farms. Additionally, the project bolsters regional development by maintaining 200 skilled jobs, supporting over 120 businesses, and fostering the creation of 20 new enterprises, thereby establishing Grimsby as a frontrunner in the digital transformation of offshore wind.
The 5G PORTAL is spearheaded by a consortium led by ORE Catapult and includes partners such as Microsoft, XceCo, Associated British Ports (ABP), Accelleran, JET Connectivity, Boldyn Networks, and Satellite Applications Catapult. Andrew Macdonald, Director of Offshore Wind Development and Operations at ORE Catapult, underscores the collaborative effort to establish a real-world test and demonstration environment for cutting-edge technologies, including robotics, AI, remote sensors, wearable technology, zero-emission vessels, and smart ports.
The 5G PORTAL features two 5G technology development and demonstration zones connected via a fiber network: one at Grimsby Port and the other within the Lynn and Inner Dowsing wind farm. Fifteen 5G radio transmitters are strategically placed across five sites, including four wind turbines and a radio mast at the port. A solar-powered 5G buoy, developed by JET Connectivity, extends the private 5G network over a 45km² area. This unique setup within an operational port and offshore wind farm facilitates groundbreaking advancements in offshore renewable energy technology.
At the 5G PORTAL’s launch, several pioneering technologies were showcased:
Accelleran contributed significantly to the 5G PORTAL by providing the Radio Access Network (RAN) and software elements, including the first-ever deployment of a RAN Intelligent Controller in an offshore wind environment. This demonstration highlights the robustness and scalability of Accelleran’s Private 5G solution in challenging offshore conditions.
The 5G PORTAL (Ports and Offshore Renewable Technology Accelerator Lincolnshire) is a state-of-the-art 5G-enabled ‘living lab’ designed to transform the port of Grimsby and the Lynn and Inner Dowsing wind farm.
The project aims to accelerate the development of next-generation digital technologies critical for the UK’s offshore wind sector and support the deployment of 50GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030.
The project is funded by Innovate UK and the Greater Lincolnshire LEP.
The consortium includes ORE Catapult, Microsoft, XceCo, Associated British Ports (ABP), Accelleran, JET Connectivity, Boldyn Networks, and Satellite Applications Catapult.
Technologies include robotics, AI, remote sensors, wearable technology, zero-emission vessels, smart ports, and other advanced digital solutions.
The infrastructure consists of two 5G technology development and demonstration zones connected by a fiber network, with 15 5G radio transmitters and a solar-powered 5G buoy covering a 45km² area.
Developed by JET Connectivity, the buoy extends the private 5G network’s coverage and enables data collection and transmission over a large offshore area.
The 5G PORTAL aims to enhance the intelligence, safety, and environmental sustainability of wind farms and supports the testing and development of innovative technologies.
The project sustains 200 skilled jobs, supports over 120 businesses, and is expected to create 20 new enterprises, boosting the local economy and positioning Grimsby as a leader in the digital revolution of offshore wind.
Accelleran provides the Radio Access Network (RAN) and software components, including the RAN Intelligent Controller, demonstrating the resilience and scalability of their Private 5G solution in offshore conditions.
