UK firms win £2.3m share for offshore technologies

Three British firms have been awarded a share of £2.3 million for the development of innovative technologies aimed at cutting the cost of offshore wind. The cash comes from the […]

Three British firms have been awarded a share of £2.3 million for the development of innovative technologies aimed at cutting the cost of offshore wind.

The cash comes from the second round of the Offshore Wind Component Technologies Development and Demonstration scheme launched by the Government last May.

DECC said offshore wind has the potential to cut the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels, cut carbon and meet the UK’s renewable targets.

High Voltage Partial Discharge (HVPD) Ltd, JDR Cable Systems and Principle Power won the money, which will be used to design an integrated offshore high voltage network management system, innovative cables used in offshore development and the creation of new floating foundations for wind turbines.

Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said: “This £2.3million will give three more companies the boost they need to take their innovative designs to the next level, helping cut costs in offshore wind generation and ultimately helping us harness more power from turbines out at sea.”

DECC believes innovation is key to improving efficiency and has the potential to drive down costs of offshore wind by 25% by 2020 and 60% by 2050, however, more investment is needed in the area.

The Government has also opened a fresh call for entries for a new round worth £4 million.

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