A consortium led by the European Marine Energy Centre has secured funding to test floating wind technology developed by Italian outfit Saipem at a site off the coast of Ireland by 2022.
Finance for the four-year €31m project – known as AFLOWT (cccelerating market uptake of floating offshore wind technology) – has been secured from the EU’s Interreg North West Europe programme.
Subject to consenting, the full-scale turbine will be installed at the a Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s Atlantic Marine Energy test site near Belmullet in County Mayo.
AFLOWT also aims to support the development of a supply chain in the region.
The consortium also includes Cable Life Cycle Assurance in France, Maritime Research Institute Netherlands, Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems in Germany, University College Cork and Electricity Supply Board Engineering & Major Projects in Ireland.
Irish Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton said: “Decarbonising our electricity supply will be crucial to becoming a leader in climate change.
“We are fortunate in Ireland to have such a fantastic wind energy resource. Almost one third of Ireland’s electricity currently comes from renewables, with wind being the highest contributor.
“However, we need to step up our ambition in this area and stretch ourselves farther. I welcome this project as an excellent opportunity to further explore the potential of offshore wind.”
EMEC commercial director Oliver Wragg said: “EMEC is thrilled that this project will enable continuation of the important work that EMEC has been conducting with SEAI on development of offshore test sites in Ireland over the past four years.
“If floating offshore wind technology can operate reliably and efficiently on the west coast of Ireland, it will work anywhere.
“Through this project we hope that the successful technology demonstrations will fundamentally expand the global offshore wind market.”
SEAI chief executive Jim Gannon said: “SEAI is delighted to be part of the consortium and welcomes this initial step of gaining support from Interreg.
“We recognise that there are many significant steps to be taken to deliver this ambitious project and we will work with all project partners and local and national stakeholders to maximise local and national benefits.
“This project will show Ireland’s strengths, not only in terms of its significant wind resources, but also as a responsive, innovative and agile country.”
Saipem E&C offshore division chief operating officer Stefano Porcari said: “Saipem continues its commitment to diversify its core business to offer modern solutions to the renewable energy market.
“This project represents for us a unique opportunity to prove our floating wind technology in severe environments.
“Together with our consortium partners, we will work on the feasibility and the cost effectiveness of this floating offshore wind project for a low carbon emission energy environment.”