A consortium of leading Scottish institutions, including the University of Edinburgh and the University of Dundee, has secured a £2.5 million funding boost from the UK Research and Innovation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The funding will be used to advance offshore wind technology and drive sustainable energy solutions.
The project, led by the Forth and Tay Offshore (FTO) Cluster, aims to address critical challenges in offshore wind energy, including improving design and engineering practices and enhancing environmental impact assessments. By leveraging the expertise of researchers from both universities, the project seeks to accelerate the development of innovative technologies and sustainable practices.
The east coast of Scotland, with its wealth of offshore wind resources and established supply chain, provides an ideal location for this research. The funding will support a range of activities, including field trials, laboratory experiments, and data analysis.
Professor Alasdair McDonald, chair in Renewable Technologies at the University of Edinburgh, expressed enthusiasm for the project: “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.”
The project is expected to have a significant impact on the UK’s renewable energy sector, contributing to job creation, economic growth, and the nation’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
