Three Scots energy projects are to share in a new multi-million award aimed at driving innovation in offshore wind generation.
Wood Group-owned SguurControl, High Voltage Partial Discharge and 2-B Energy will each take a share of the £4million pot announced by energy minister Greg Barker.
They will be joined by West Midlands firm Ocean Resource, with the funds awarded as part of an innovation competition aimed at streamlining wind energy costs.
“The benefits that offshore wind can bring are clear – from enhancing our energy security, reducing our dependence on imports and helping reduce our carbon emissions,” said Mr Barker.
“Innovation is critical to cutting the cost of this low-carbon power source, which could in turn lead to lower bills for hardworking consumers.
“I wish the winners every success with their projects.”
The largest award goes to 2-B Energy, which has received £2.8million to develop a two-blade turbine for offshore wind applications. The funding will support a £22million project to develop a pilot, which is backed by partners Scottish Enterprise, the Department for Energy and Climate Change, PPM Oost and Shell, among others.
A test model of the new turbine, which is supported by a full truss steel foundation, is set to be tested off the Dutch coast before being relocated to an offshore site at Fife for further trials.
SgurrControl has picked up £667,000 to develop a new control system aimed at cutting stress on wind turbine blades, increasing their lifespan, while High Voltage Partial Discharge – based in Manchester – will work with Strathclyde University on a a new monitoring system for high voltage direct current cables after receiving more than £900,000.
Stourbridge firm Ocean Resource has received a £216,000 award to help develop an offshore turbine which can be assembled and commissioned onshore, before being towed – which the firm believes could cut energy costs by 15%.
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