An anonymous field in a remote corner of Holderness could soon help revolutionise the design of offshore wind turbines.
For experts are set to use land near the village of Albrough as a test site to research new piling techniques for the next generation of turbines in the North Sea.
The four-acre site is currently used for farming.
But later this year hydraulic hammers will pummel 23 piles into the ground before engineers from energy firm Orsted and scientists from Oxford University start a series of stress tests on the structures as part of a five-year research partnership.
Each pile will be sunk to different depths before being subjected to a series of repeated 30-minute loading tests.
They aim to replicate the repeated batterings offshore turbine foundations receive from both waves and the wind.
The site has been specifically chosen for the testing work after a UK-wide search because ground conditions there match those found on the seabed where new larger turbines are planned.
Tom Watts, Orsted’s environmental consent specialist, said: “We selected this site because the ground conditions in the area are very similar to offshore conditions.
“This project is part of a much wider research programme for the offshore wind industry looking at how we can improve the efficiency of new turbines through technical enhancements with the ultimate aim of reducing costs and reducing subsidy for offshore wind.”
Planning approval for the temporary use of the site was granted earlier this week by East Riding councillors.
They gave it the go-ahead on condition that advance warnings about the start of piling work should be given to nearby residents.
Councillor John Holtby, who represents the area, said: “I am not against this project but it is important that residents are kept informed of what is happening, particularly because potential noise and vibration issues.”
Councillor John Whittle said: “There might be lots of booms, bangs and wobbles while these tests take place so I am glad to see a system of notification for residents will be in place.”
Other conditions include limiting the testing to daytime hours wherever possible and restoring the land to agricultural use once the work are completed.
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