A Scottish research project to explore challenges in offshore wind technology has been boosted by a £2.5m grant from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
The partnership between the University of Edinburgh, the University of Dundee and the Forth and Tay Offshore (FTO) cluster will address critical challenges in offshore wind technology, fostering innovations that will drive sustainable energy solutions and further strengthen Scotland’s position as a global leader in offshore wind.
The UK Government-backed body’s UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has made the award through its Place Based Impact Acceleration Account (PBIAA) scheme. It will leverage the expertise of both universities and the FTO cluster.
The east coast of Scotland is viewed as the ideal location from which to run the programme, as it is currently home to the majority of Scotland’s offshore wind farms which are in various stages of development.
It also boasts a rich diversity of supply chain companies, from developers to SMEs supported by world-class infrastructure, with a diverse range of ports and Forth Green Freeport – now open for business – all within the region.
Alasdair McDonald, Chair in Renewable Technologies at the University of Edinburgh, expressed enthusiasm for the project, said: “This funding will enable us to push the boundaries of offshore wind technology, from improved design and engineering practices to enhanced environmental impact analysis.
“Our collaboration with the University of Dundee and the Forth and Tay Offshore Cluster will allow us to harness collective strengths and knowledge, leading to breakthroughs that will benefit the industry and society at large.”