Crown Estate Scotland has joined the European Marine Energy Centre’s Offshore Wind Research and Innovation (R&I) Programme as a public sector sponsor to drive offshore wind development and strengthen the Scottish supply chain.
Operated by EMEC, the programme aims to accelerate innovation by addressing key technical challenges across the offshore wind sector, helping developers and suppliers deliver projects faster, cheaper, and at lower risk.
Crown Estate Scotland said its involvement will enhance the programme’s capacity to de-risk development while embedding economic value within local communities.
Lynsey Shovlin, offshore wind development manager (enabling) at Crown Estate Scotland, said: “Innovation is essential to unlocking the full potential of Scotland’s offshore wind resources, and EMEC’s Offshore Wind R&I Programme is helping to ensure that economic and environmental benefits are delivered hand in hand. This is an excellent opportunity for us to support development of the sector and supply chain, in our role as custodians of the seabed, and aligns with our commitment to enabling a fair and sustainable transition to net zero.”
Mark Hamilton, operations and technology director at EMEC, said: “Bringing Crown Estate Scotland on board as a sponsor of our R&I Programme is a positive step to enhance our ability to foster homegrown innovation and deliver real benefits to Scotland’s offshore wind sector and supply chain.”
Hamilton added that the collaboration will build Scotland’s research capacity and strengthen its role in the global offshore wind industry.