The Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult has launched a £920,000 scheme that will support companies seeking to test their products in a live offshore wind environment.
Companies can deploy equipment at the 7MW demonstration turbine at Levenmouth (pictured) in Fife as part of the initiative.
Half the cash is being provided by the Scottish Government with ORE Catapult stumping up the remaining funds.
“The investment should give Scottish companies a crucial edge in developing technology and services for the new wave of offshore wind developments,” ORE Catapult said.
Funds are also being used to establish a lidar test facility and the creation of a so-called ‘virtual wind farm’.
“It is becoming increasingly clear that offshore wind is integral to Scotland’s sustainable energy future – as well as helping us to achieve our ambitious climate change targets,” said the country’s energy minister Paul Wheelhouse.
ORE Catapult operational performance director Chris Hill said the “unique testing environment” will help develop “deeper understanding” of offshore wind operations and maintenance.
“This will significantly help to develop the skills and experience that is critical to the future growth of the industry and its continuing efforts to reduce costs,” he said.
Image: ORE Catapult
Catapult raises R&D kitty
£920,000 to support offshore wind initiatives at 7MW demo in Scotland
By EBS