Aberdeen-based Hydro Group, a designer and manufacturer of underwater cables and connectors for global subsea, topside and onshore applications, has been awarded £1million in financial support from the European Commission’s Research Executive Agency (REA).
The company predicts a 20% increase in turnover in the next five years as a result winning this funding.
The funding, which has been granted under the European Commission’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), will support the research, development and production of a new 33kV hybrid wet-mate subsea connector for the offshore renewable energy industry.
Hydro Group managing director Doug Whyte said: “As subsea technology has evolved connections are made at much greater depths under significant hydrostatic pressure. They are expected to engage and disengage underwater and to operate reliably but currently they are restricted to a maximum power rating of 11kV.
“The new Hydro Group 33kV connector will be ROV installable and is fitted with a built-in precision remote monitoring system that enables communication back to land requiring less intervention by divers. The connector will provide efficient power transmission and allow for reduced installation and maintenance costs.
“The new design will increase system longevity and ultimately benefit health and safety whilst reducing costs for operators.”
Mr Whyte continued: “Funding through FP7 is awarded to SME’s working on innovative projects by collaborating with companies with complimentary expertise and knowledge.
Hydro Group, an energy-service firm made up of Hydro Bond Engineering and HydroCable Systems Ltd, is a major national and international supplier of harsh environment engineered products to the offshore oil and gas, defence, oceanographic, renewable energies, diving and ROV/AUV markets.
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Offshore WIND staff, May 24, 2012; Image: thinkpr