A collaborative offshore wind research project involving the University of Edinburgh, the University of Dundee, and the Forth and Tay Offshore (FTO) cluster has received a £2.5 million grant from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The initiative aims to address key challenges in offshore wind technology and promote innovation, bolstering Scotland's role as a global leader in the renewable energy sector.
The funding, provided by UKRI's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) through its Place Based Impact Acceleration Account (PBIAA) scheme, will leverage the expertise of both universities and the FTO cluster. The research is set to advance offshore wind technology, including design, engineering practices, and environmental analysis, with the potential to benefit both industry and society.
The east coast of Scotland, home to the majority of the country's offshore wind farms, was chosen as the base for the programme. This region features a robust supply chain, from developers to small and medium-sized enterprises, supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure and access to the recently launched Forth Green Freeport.
Alasdair McDonald, Chair in Renewable Technologies at the University of Edinburgh, highlighted the importance of the initiative: “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.”
