US developer Vineyard Wind has launched a call for ideas that use real-time data to monitor marine mammals in the vicinity of offshore wind farms.
Greentown Labs is running the competition, aimed at start-ups, as part of an accelerator programme with Vineyard Wind.
The goal of the initiative is to increase safety, enhance environmental protection and boost the protection of sensitive habitats.
The challenge aims to “uncover new solutions that further enhance the sustainable development of offshore wind power”, said Vineyard, which is developing an 800MW offshore wind project off Massachusetts.
Concepts can include tracking, data gathering, real-time data transmission and analysis.
The chosen ideas and companies will be involved in the six-month accelerator programme run by Greentown Labs.
The programme will provide exclusive access to the networks managed by Greentown Labs and Vineyard Wind.
The developer said it will offer chosen start-ups the “chance to connect” with organisations and offshore energy suppliers, access tutoring from the world’s top engineers, scientists and specialists in offshore wind power permits as well as the opportunity to take part in training and programming workshops through partnerships with both companies.
All projects submitted must ensure that data collected provides accurate and reliable information on marine mammal monitoring, demonstrate that the procedure is efficient, safe and environmentally friendly.
The technology deployed must also conform to existing best practice in data management and to public policies.