Remote Wind Lab: Expanding access to renewable energy vocational learning

The UK offshore wind sector is set to triple in size by 2030, with workforce demand rising from 32,000 to over 100,000, requiring 10,000 new recruits annually. Scotland is a leader in floating offshore wind and is central to this growth, however, significant barriers persist. Access to specialised training equipment is limited, especially in remote areas, and many learners are confined to space-restricted, noisy lab environments. These challenges hinder practical skill development. Additionally, awareness of STEM and green energy careers remains low among certain groups, contributing to persistent underrepresentation. Women currently make up only 23% of the UK energy workforce.

This project aims to address both access and engagement issues by developing an innovative Remote Wind Lab. Housed in a container with a wind turbine and air intake system, the lab will allow students to access and manipulate live experiments via an online interface. Users can adjust parameters such as blade pitch, yaw, and wind speed to understand their impact on power generation. A centralised booking system will enable equitable access for colleges across Scotland.

By removing physical access barriers and delivering engaging, hands-on learning, the Remote Wind Lab supports a more diverse and better skilled green workforce. Designed to complement both vocational and higher education pathways, it’s especially valuable for part-time learners or those balancing other commitments.