In a groundbreaking development, LiveLink Aerospace, in collaboration with Vattenfall and the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, has successfully demonstrated its air defence radar technology at Aberdeen offshore wind farm. This achievement marks a pivotal moment in the UK’s dual mission to expand clean energy infrastructure while safeguarding national defence priorities.
The LiveLink system, designed to enhance radar surveillance without emitting signals, was rigorously tested across multiple turbines at Vattenfall’s operational wind farm. This demonstration is a critical step toward commercialising the technology for widespread deployment across the UK’s offshore wind farms.
The project is part of a broader initiative supported by the UK’s Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL). It aims to mitigate the impact of wind farms on primary surveillance radar and air traffic control systems. Funded through the £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio—a key component of the UK’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution—the project seeks to accelerate the development and deployment of low-carbon technologies.
By enabling real-time situational awareness and advanced threat identification, LiveLink’s passive radar solution offers a promising pathway to secure, scalable offshore wind development. The technology not only supports the UK’s clean energy goals but also ensures that national security remains uncompromised.
Hugh Riddell, Regional Partnerships Manager at ORE Catapult, highlighted the significance of the collaboration: “LiveLink initially tested their radar technology at ORE Catapult’s Levenmouth Demonstration Turbine in Fife, and the learnings gained there allowed them to expand and test on turbines at Aberdeen offshore wind farm. Our partnership with Vattenfall provides UK businesses, such as LiveLink, with a unique opportunity to deploy, test, and demonstrate their innovative technologies at a real, live working wind farm. Testing in these real-world environments is essential to ensure that innovation matures and continuously improves before entering the market and transforming the development of offshore energy.”
Ben Keene, Director of Operations at LiveLink Aerospace, added: “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. Importantly, 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, commented: “This demonstration highlights the power of collaboration between industry and government to solve complex challenges. LiveLink’s technology not only supports the UK’s clean energy goals but also ensures that national security remains uncompromised. At Vattenfall, we’re proud to provide a live testing site for British SMEs scaling up technology that can solve challenges for the offshore wind industry.”
The LiveLink Air Intelligence System is placed on the nacelles of wind turbines, reducing the radar clutter caused by turbine blades and eliminating gaps in radar coverage. This makes it ideal for both military and civilian applications. The system’s passive air defence sensors are highly reliable, scalable, and adaptable to different operational environments.
As the UK continues to push the boundaries of renewable energy and defence technology, the successful demonstration at Aberdeen offshore wind farm sets a precedent for future innovations. The collaboration between LiveLink, Vattenfall, and ORE Catapult exemplifies how strategic partnerships can drive progress in both energy and security sectors, paving the way for a sustainable and secure future.