Offshore wind businesses are to benefit from £1.5 million of Scottish Government funding aimed at boosting new technologies in the sector.
The money has been awarded to the Carbon Trust for its offshore wind accelerator (OWA) research and design programme.
The joint industry project was set up in 2008 and now involves nine offshore wind developers.
It will fund projects that explore the opportunities of floating offshore wind or address how to make the sector more efficient and reduce costs.
Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “Previous Scottish Government support for the OWA has helped develop new ideas in key areas of importance to companies operating in Scottish waters and I have no doubt this new funding will help firms to continue this important work.
“Only last week, around 350 jobs were announced as a direct result of the construction of the Beatrice Offshore Windfarm, highlighting the massive opportunity offshore wind presents to Scotland and the Scottish economy.
“Innovation in renewables also continues to contribute to the excellent progress we are making on reducing greenhouse gas emissions after the recent announcement that Scotland has exceeded our 2020 target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 42% six years early.”
WWF Scotland director Lang Banks added: “Scotland’s seas boast a quarter of Europe’s offshore wind resource with the potential to create thousands of jobs, help us to avoid carbon emissions, and to power the nation.
“By driving innovation and promoting collaboration, support for initiatives like the Accelerator programme will help to ensure that we’re well placed to make the most of the economic and environmental benefits of offshore wind.”
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