The Scottish Government and a renewable energy technology centre will jointly put forward £920,000 for an offshore wind research programme.
The government and the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult said the funds would advance business programmes and partnerships within the sector.
The programme will be based around the Levenmouth offshore wind turbine demonstrator, located at ORE’s base in Fife. It is already used by the industry for training and research.
The £460,000 match funding will also go toward a laser-based test facility and the creation of a ‘virtual windfarm’.
Chris Hill, ORE Catapult’s operational performance director, said: “The Levenmouth Turbine offers an unrivalled opportunity to position Scotland and the UK at the heart of European wind research.
“Providing a unique testing environment for new technologies, and using real-world data from the operation of the turbine, will help us develop a deeper understanding of the operations and maintenance aspects of offshore wind turbines. This will significantly help to develop the skills and experience that is critical to the future growth of the industry and its continuing efforts to reduce costs.”
Scottish Business, Innovation and Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “This investment is another demonstration of the Scottish Government’s long-standing commitment to maximising the huge potential of offshore wind as a sustainable energy source.
“The £460,000 funding represents excellent value, as it goes to three projects that are key to ORE Catapult’s plans to bolster wind technology development in Scotland.”
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