The 5G PORTAL (Ports and Offshore Renewable Technology Accelerator Lincolnshire) is an advanced 5G-equipped ‘living lab’ transforming the port of Grimsby and the Lynn and Inner Dowsing wind farm. This cutting-edge initiative, officially activated at the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult’s Operations and Maintenance Centre of Excellence, is a pivotal development in the offshore renewable energy sector.

Project Overview

Funded by Innovate UK and the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, the £2.8 million project accelerates the development of next-generation digital technologies critical for the UK’s ambitious target of deploying 50GW of offshore wind by 2030. The 5G PORTAL enables technology providers to develop, test, and demonstrate their equipment in real-world conditions with access to reliable, high-speed communications, attracting global users from the offshore wind sector.

Ministerial Endorsement

Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, Graham Stuart, underscores the importance of embracing new technologies to sustain the offshore wind boom. The high-speed communications infrastructure of the 5G PORTAL creates an ideal environment to test and develop innovative digital technologies, enhancing the intelligence, safety, and eco-friendliness of wind farms. The project also supports regional development by sustaining 200 skilled jobs, supporting over 120 businesses, and creating 20 new enterprises, positioning Grimsby as a leader in the digital revolution of offshore wind.

Consortium and Collaboration

The 5G PORTAL is delivered by a consortium led by ORE Catapult, which includes 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, highlights the collaborative effort to create a real-world test and demonstration zone for various cutting-edge technologies such as robotics, AI, remote sensors, wearable technology, zero emission vessels, and smart ports.

Technological Infrastructure

The 5G PORTAL comprises two 5G technology development and demonstration zones linked by 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 in the port, complemented by a solar-powered 5G buoy developed by JET Connectivity, providing an extended private 5G network over a 45km² area. This unique integration within an operational port and offshore wind farm sets the stage for groundbreaking advancements in offshore renewable energy technology.

Demonstrations and Innovations

At the launch of the 5G PORTAL, several innovative technologies were showcased:

• ABP and HeroTech8: Autonomously controlled drones conducted offshore inspections, capturing video and sensor data and transmitting it back to base.
• Microsoft: A live feed from the port mast relayed data through HoloLens interactive software, providing augmented reality instructions to remote field technicians.
• ABP and BT: AI-driven video monitoring and image processing software monitored lock gate movements and vessel conditions, identifying changes or damage.
• Xocean: An autonomous, solar-powered vessel conducted subsurface and asset inspections.
• JET Connectivity: Showcased a data dashboard displaying environmental, weather, and 5G service data from the 5G buoy.

Accelleran’s Role

Accelleran played a crucial role in the 5G PORTAL by providing the RAN and software elements, including the deployment of a RAN Intelligent Controller in an offshore wind environment for the first time. This advancement demonstrates the robustness and scalability of Accelleran’s Private 5G solution in challenging offshore conditions. Read more about our Private 5G Solution here.