Photo by Andrés Dallimonti
Air defence radar technology on wind turbines has been successfully demonstrated at Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm, marking a significant milestone in the UK’s efforts to balance clean energy expansion with national defence priorities. The work was completed by LiveLink Aerospace in collaboration with Vattenfall and the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult.
When wind turbines are installed at sea, they create radar clutter which can make it hard for current radar systems to operate effectively. LiveLink’s Air Intelligence System is placed on the nacelles of wind turbines and reduces the radar clutter caused by turbine blades whilst eliminating gaps in radar coverage, making it ideal for military and civilian applications. The Air Intelligence System’s passive air defence sensors are said to be highly reliable, scalable and adaptable to different operational environments.
The LiveLink system, designed to enhance radar surveillance capabilities without emitting signals, was tested across multiple turbines on Vattenfall’s commercially operating wind farm. The demonstration represents a critical step towards commercialising the technology for full-scale deployment across offshore wind farms in the UK.
The project is part of a broader initiative supported by the UK’s Department for Energy Security & Net Zero and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, aimed at mitigating the impact of wind farms on primary surveillance radar and air traffic control systems. The project was funded via the £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, introduced as part of the UK’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution.
Hugh Riddell, Regional Partnerships Manager at ORE Catapult, said that “LiveLink initially tested their radar technology at ORE Catapult’s Levenmouth Demonstration Turbine in Fife and learnings gained there meant they could expand and test on turbines at Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm.” He added that “testing in these real world environments is essential to ensure that innovation matures and continuously improved before entering the market and transforming the development of offshore energy.”
Ben Keene, Director of Operations at LiveLink Aerospace, stated that “working with Vattenfall and ORE Catapult at Aberdeen has allowed us to demonstrate how LiveLink’s Air Intelligence System can unlock the full potential of offshore wind while enhancing the UK’s air defence capability. This milestone proves that innovation born in the UK can strengthen both national security and the transition to net zero.” He emphasised that “the system also offers significant benefits for wind farm operators, providing improved situational awareness, safety, and coordination across turbine arrays, ensuring offshore renewable projects can operate efficiently and securely alongside national infrastructure.”
Matt Jeans, Operations and Consents Manager at Vattenfall, said the demonstration “highlights the power of collaboration between industry and government to solve complex challenges.” LiveLink, Vattenfall and ORE Catapult will continue to collaborate on testing the technology.