The West of Orkney Windfarm consortium, comprising Corio Generation, TotalEnergies, and RIDG, has awarded funding to three research and development (R&D) projects through EMEC’s Offshore Wind R&I Programme.
The consortium is developing a 2-GW offshore wind farm located 30 km off the west coast of Orkney, Scotland. Targeting first power by 2030, the £1-million ($1.23-million) R&I scheme aims to support innovations that can accelerate the development of offshore wind power by reducing costs and risks.
Twenty-nine companies initially responded to the innovation call, which was then narrowed down to eight in stage two and ultimately three successful recipients.
The funded projects include:
- TRIOS Renewables: This project will focus on embedding spatial metocean intelligence into offshore wind opex models to improve the financial performance of projects prior to the final investment decision.
- Seaview Sensing: This project will develop a high-frequency radar system that enhances wave measurement accuracy in high seas, providing crucial data for improved forecasting and reduced weather-related risks to personnel, cargo, and vessels.
- Next Ocean: This project will develop a Wave Predictor tool that provides real-time predictions of waves and ship motions. This data will enable crews to determine quieter periods for critical offshore operations, improving safety and efficiency.
All three projects are expected to be completed later this year.
The West of Orkney Windfarm consortium plans to issue further innovation calls to address other critical challenges, including installation logistics, operations and maintenance, sustainable solutions, offshore robotics, and digital twins. These R&D efforts will play a crucial role in advancing offshore wind technology and ensuring the successful and efficient development of the West of Orkney Windfarm
