ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) and the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult have today (Tuesday 6 June) announced that they will work together to prioritise SPR’s innovation needs for its portfolio of offshore wind projects, and identify the high growth UK companies with the potential solutions to solve these challenges.
The two organisations have signed a collaboration agreement with the aim of developing projects to tackle some of the key technology challenges facing the sector, working together to reduce offshore wind costs through technology innovation and benefit of the UK supply chain through increased investment and job creation.
The first such project will be a foundation fabrication feasibility study. The aim of this study is to review efficiency opportunities in foundation fabrication, including a review of the potential opportunities for innovation to help UK companies gain a competitive edge and maximise longer-term economic benefit.
Keith Anderson, SPR’s CEO, made the announcement at the Offshore Wind Europe Conference 2017 in London. He said:
“Innovation and further efforts to boost the supply chain in the UK are critical elements to continue driving down the costs of offshore wind. We hope that our work with ORE Catapult will deliver benefits for the entire industry. Our East Anglia ONE project is already the best value offshore wind project to go into construction in the UK, with industry-leading levels of local content, but we will continue to strive to deliver even greater benefits for consumers and local businesses as our sector grows.”
Chris Hill, Operational Performance Director for ORE Catapult, added:
“ORE Catapult was set up to drive forward industry collaboration and technology innovation in offshore renewables, and to promote the sharing of best practice and learning.
“This type of collaborative working agreement with SPR is an excellent example of how ORE Catapult can help offshore wind farm owner/operators engage with the UK supply chain to drive forward the resolution of key industry technology priorities, and create UK economic benefit through increased UK content in offshore wind projects.
“We very much hope this partnership with SPR will form a blueprint for future, similar collaborative agreements with industry.”