ORE Catapult research covers three key research programmes:
Each programme contains sub-programmes of activity in the following knowledge areas: Rotors, Powertrains, Electrical Infrastructures, Foundations/Structures and Wind & Ocean Conditions (incl. Resource Assessment).
Our research is industry-led; the research strategy is influenced by consultations with key stakeholders including owner/operators, OEMs, the top-tier supply chain, SMEs, and innovators.
Outputs from these consultations are then combined with research community engagement, particularly academic engagement. This results in the formation of three key research programmes fulfilling many fundamental elements of the offshore renewable energy industry and relevant technology developments.
Our Research Hubs aim to build a stronger, complementary offering of academic research, innovation, demonstration and representative testing to the offshore renewables sector. The activities of the Hubs combine academic and industry skills and resources to better respond to industry’s needs.
We run the Wind Blade Research Hub with the University of Bristol, the Electrical Infrastructure Research Hub with Strathclyde and Manchester Universities and the Powertrain Research Hub with the University of Sheffield.
“The collaboration with a world-class research and test institution, such as ORE Catapult, cements our position as an offshore industry leader and enforces our commitment to innovation and to further developing the sector to the benefit of developers, consumers and the environment.”
Alexis Crama
LM Wind Power’s VP Offshore
A significant part of the ORE Catapult research programmes has a longer-term focus than many of our industry clients would ordinarily undertake. This includes clients who don’t have a research department of their own. The role of the ORE Catapult research team is to develop and deliver research activity focusing on Intellectual Property and knowledge creation, in areas such as cost reduction innovations, improved reliability and better modelling for improved operations.
Many of our sub-programme research projects have created high-impact research outcomes including:
These outcomes provide tools and solutions to improve reliability, reduce design margins and optimise maintenance strategies, thus leading to a lower levelised cost of energy (LCoE) for the offshore renewables’ sector.