Three companies from North East England have been selected for the latest round of the UK’s TIGGOR offshore wind technology demonstration programme, securing a combined £600,000 in funding and access to industry mentors from leading offshore wind developers.
SeaThor, Pulcea and Kinewell will join the nine-month programme, which is run by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult. The initiative aims to accelerate the commercialisation of technologies that support the UK’s offshore wind supply chain.
“It’s fantastic to welcome these three companies to the TIGGOR programme,” said Magnus Willett, senior project manager for strategy and emerging technologies at ORE Catapult. “We look forward to supporting them as they develop products and services that could boost growth and productivity across the North East and increase UK content in the offshore renewable energy supply chain.”
SeaThor, based in North Tyneside, is developing “Cable Spring”, a dynamic cable protection system designed to minimise failures in subsea wind infrastructure. Blyth-based Pulcea has created a high-performance bubble curtain system to reduce underwater noise during construction, helping protect marine life. Meanwhile, Newcastle-based Kinewell is applying artificial intelligence to optimise floating wind farm layouts and reduce costs.
The TIGGOR programme is funded by the North East Combined Authority and delivered in partnership with offshore wind developers Equinor and EDF Renewables.
Andrew Saunders, prepare for operations manager at Equinor’s Dogger Bank Wind Farm, said: “The applicant pool was incredibly strong and whilst not everyone could be supported, we hope to see all exciting innovations come to fruition within the UK supply chain.”
Shiu Hui, new technology and innovation manager at EDF Renewables UK and Ireland, added: “These forward-thinking businesses are paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable future in the offshore sector with cutting-edge AI technology, cost-saving solutions for floating wind, and innovative approaches to reducing noise in offshore construction.”
Local leaders have also welcomed the announcement. “This region is already internationally recognised as a hub for the offshore energy sector, and we want to build on this fantastic reputation by supporting businesses that can turbo boost our clean energy ambitions,” said Cllr Karen Clark, elected mayor of North Tyneside.
Since its launch in 2020, TIGGOR has supported 14 projects through £3.7 million in shared R&D grants, contributing to the creation of 33 jobs, 22 apprenticeships, and 18 new products in the region’s offshore wind sector.
