CWind and ORE Catapult team up to speed up innovation in the UK offshore wind sector | Valdamark VCI

Together, the two companies will focus on delivering applied research projects and accelerating technology development, aimed at improving health and safety, the operational performance of offshore renewable assets and reducing risk and cost.

CWind demonstrates long term commitment to developing solutions that overcome the UK offshore renewable industries challenges. Innovation and technology are at the centre of this as it signs a collaboration agreement with (ORE) Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult.

Working in tandem the two organisations will make delivering research research projects and accelerating innovation & development their key focus.

The end goal is to improve health and safety in the working environment as well as obtaining better results for the operational performance of their renewable energy assets. Reductions in risk & cost should also occur.

During 2018 Cwing and ORE Catapult has joined forces in a number of areas. Capitalising on each’s key strengths and capabilities they are many further ventures in 2019.

One such project is the exploration of an engineered corrosion protection solution and a ‘voice of the field’ communication platform. Basically something that can be used with the group for offshore assets to communicate.

The VCI corrosion solution is an interesting one as solution already exist for the maintenance of oil pipelines and other assets. VCI bags manufacturers even create polyethylene film products in order to protect these kind of components not only during transport but when being operational in the field. It will be interesting to see what sort of packaging solution they come up with.

CWind has also taken the decision to join the Offshore Wind Innovations Hub’s Technical Advisory Group. It is a partnered initiative between ORE Catapult and the Knowledge Transfer Network. Primarily focused on reducing offshore wind energy cost whilst maximising the UK economic benefit.

It is now clear that CWind is going to play a crucial role in shaping the O & M initiatives of the future. Whilst identifying the innovation needs of the market.

£2 Million Boost for Innovation and Growth

Eight European businesses have secured a grant for £2 million from OWGP (Offshore Wind Growth Partnership). It will boost the UK's wind sector. It paves the way for increased competitiveness and sustainability.

Innovations Fuelling Progress
The winning projects cover a wide range of innovations aimed at advancing the wind industry offshore. These innovations include monitoring the condition of turbine blades & inter-array cable systems. It also includes efforts to prevent biofouling on turbine ladders.

Several projects explore solutions for anchoring and mooring offshore floating wind structures. These initiatives support the UK supply chain. They reduce costs and enhance safety in offshore wind development and operations.

OWGP's Role in Driving Opportunities
Anil Sayhan highlighted potential prospects in the domestic and global markets. By the way, he is the current director of the OWGP Programme.

The OWGP has an important role in creating these opportunities. It already has backed up many projects, roughly over 200, across its business transformation. It granted a funding portfolio, exceeding the amount of £15 million. In collaboration with the eight winning companies, OWGP aims to introduce groundbreaking solutions everywhere, not just in the UK.

The Role of OWGP in the Offshore Wind Sector
ORE Catapult and Offshore Council are the sponsors of the OWGP. With the help of these organisations, OWGP plays a crucial role in advancing the UK's wind sector offshore. Throughout the years, it sponsored 60 projects. Thus, it is making significant contributions to the sector. These contributions include generating employment and unlocking export opportunities.

The outlook for the future is auspicious. A few years from now, competitive initiatives and funding to transform businesses are set to drive substantial growth in the UK until 2030.

The Bright Future of UK Offshore Wind
The UK's wind sector is on the verge of remarkable growth. Currently, it boasts 20GW of wind energy capacity, including 8GW offshore. The future looks even more promising with a pipeline of 44GW in consented or announced capacity.

This burgeoning industry already provides around 11,000 high-quality jobs across the nation. It envisions an impressive projection of 27,000 jobs by 2030. Over the next fifteen years, the UK's offshore wind industry will encounter numerous opportunities in fixed and floating solutions. Thus, it solidifies its position as a leader in sustainable energy.

Conclusion: A Promising Horizon for the UK's Wind Sector

In conclusion, the future of the UK's wind sector offshore is bright and brimming with potential. With 20GW of installed wind energy capacity, including 8GW offshore, and a robust pipeline of 44GW in consented or announced capacity, the industry is set for unprecedented growth.

Notably, it already supports 11,000 quality jobs across the nation, and this number is expected to surge to 27,000 by 2030. Moreover, initiatives like the recent £2 million grant from the OWGP are injecting innovation and vitality into the industry, further cementing the UK's status as a trailblazer in sustainable energy. The horizon is indeed promising for the UK's offshore wind industry.