The University of Manchester has secured £5.5 million in funding from Horizon Europe to lead a groundbreaking project that will revolutionize the transmission of electricity from offshore wind farms. This four-year initiative brings together leading academic and industry experts across Europe to address critical challenges in offshore wind energy technology.
The project will focus on developing advanced high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables, which are essential for efficiently transmitting large amounts of electricity from offshore wind farms to the mainland grid. The project will involve extensive research and development, including creating real-world testing conditions and building a 320 kV HVDC cable prototype.
Dr. Tony Chen, project lead, emphasized the significance of this achievement “Being awarded European Commission funding as the project coordinator on this scale demonstrates the competitiveness of UK institutions. The knowledge gained from this project could revolutionize the design and use of HVDC cables, and set a new standard for this critical technology.”
This project aligns with the UK’s ambitious renewable energy targets. With wind power already generating 70% of the UK’s renewable energy, the project aims to further enhance the country’s position as a leader in offshore wind energy. By developing more efficient and reliable transmission technologies, the project will play a crucial role in ensuring that 17% of Europe’s electricity comes from offshore wind by 2050, contributing to a more sustainable and affordable energy future.
This project marks a significant achievement for the University of Manchester and highlights the UK’s continued commitment to research and innovation in renewable energy technologies.
