European Marine Energy Centre has kicked-off an 18-month project aimed at advancing its proposed deepwater and floating wind test facility off the Orkneys, called DeepWind.
The £500,000 project will complete feasibility, design scoping and industry engagement to confirm site infrastructure requirements, considering logistical and operational needs to ensure connectivity to ports and alignment with the UK offshore wind ecosystem, EMEC said.
The program is partially backed by funding from the Crown Estate’s Supply Chain Accelerator.
Mark Hamilton, Operations & Technology Director, said: “During the project, we aim to progress leasing and grid-connection applications, and will initiate some of the longest-lead environmental studies, moving us towards full consenting and Front-End Engineering Design.
“The key outcome will be a robust investment case for phased development of the test site.”
Hamilton added that EMEC will be holding a series of engagement exercises over the coming months to gather insight from developers, OEMs, insurers, investors, regulators and community groups.
“I encourage interested parties to get in touch with us for more detail on how they can help shape the future of UK offshore wind testing.”