The Carbon Trust has launched the fourth stage of the Offshore Wind Accelerator (OWA) programme in the UK, with all industry partners returning to participate and fund collaborative research, development and demonstration (RD&D) projects.
Partners for stage four are EnBW, Equinor, Orsted, RWE Renewables (including the former renewables business of Innogy), ScottishPower Renewables, Shell, SSE Renewables, and Vattenfall.
The next phase of the OWA aims to continue the cost reduction of offshore wind, overcome market barriers, develop industry best practice, trigger the development of new industry standards and support the international expansion of offshore wind, the Carbon Trust said.
OWA projects will be focused around the areas of access and logistics, cables, electrical systems, foundations, and energy yield and performance.
This builds on previous work areas, but “broadens the programme’s remit in line with developments in the offshore wind sector and the growing international market”.
Carbon Trust offshore wind director Jan Matthiesen said: “We are delighted to be announcing the next iteration of the OWA, which has already played a critical role in commercialising offshore wind technologies and realising the potential of this industry, which is playing a significant role in the decarbonisation of economies around the world.
“Offshore wind is at an exciting stage of deployment, with project investment reaching new heights in the first half of this year. But with growing ambition comes new challenges, and our experienced team and partners are ready to find and support the next generation of solutions.”
RWE renewables engineering director Danielle Jarski added: “Thanks to the collaborative and determined approach taken by all partners, the OWA has driven remarkable progress within our industry, supporting the transformation of offshore wind from an embryonic, subsidised sector to one that is competitive and future-proofed.
“We now represent the combined expertise of two former OWA partners all under RWE Renewables, and we are looking forward to continuing this cooperation to support the global expansion of offshore wind.”