The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP) has unveiled a new standardised technology demonstration agreement (STDA) designed to facilitate the testing and demonstration of new products and services on operational offshore wind farms in the UK. This agreement addresses a longstanding challenge for technology providers, particularly small enterprises, by providing a consistent framework for conducting demonstrations on assets owned by large operators.
“Until now, there has been a lack of consistent guidance for technology demonstrations in the offshore wind sector,” OWGP stated. “The STDA aims to streamline this process, offering a template agreement that defines roles, responsibilities, and procedural steps necessary for successful technology demonstrations.”
Developed by an industry-wide task force including offshore wind developers, supply chain companies, and legal experts, the STDA is expected to accelerate the path to market for near-to-market technologies (TLR-7-9) by enabling faster access to real operational data. This standardized approach is seen as crucial for enhancing business growth, protecting intellectual property, and promoting exports for UK companies.
Tim Pick, Director of OWGP, emphasized the agreement's potential impact: “By providing a clear template and easier access to the market, this agreement will help more innovations become commercial realities, unlocking significant value for UK businesses.”
Ajai Ahluwalia, Head of supply chain at RenewableUK, praised the STDA as a necessary step forward for the industry: “The formal publication of the STDA is a promising development that addresses longstanding challenges in allowing technology demonstrations on operational assets. It provides a consistent and transparent framework that will benefit both innovators and operators.”
The initiative aligns with broader efforts within the UK's offshore wind sector to foster collaboration, accelerate technology deployment, and solidify its position as a global leader in renewable energy innovation.
