EPSRC Funding for Centre of Renewable Energy Marine Structures

The Rt Hon George Osborne MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, has announced 22 new Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs). One of these, a new £7.8m Centre for Structural Integrity & Materials for Offshore Wind and Marine Renewable Energy, will be led by Cranfield and they will partner in a second new centre.

The Centre of Renewable Energy Marine Structures (REMS) will train fifty Engineering Doctorate (EngD) students over an eight-year period, admitting ten new students each year for five years starting in October 2014. This is a collaborative partnership between Cranfield University and the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford.

The University’s offshore renewable energy engineering activity led by Professor Feargal Brennan has evolved from a sustained world-leading research presence in the offshore Oil and Gas sector for over thirty years and now covers a spectrum of applications from wave, tidal stream and wind power.

Professor Brennan, REMS Centre Director said: “Offshore and Marine Renewable Energy is one of the most exciting areas for talented young mechanical and structural engineers beginning their careers. The REMS Centre working alongside other national initiatives will ensure the UK leads the world in the development, implementation and cost-effective operation of offshore structures for Wind, Wave and Tidal Power. 

REMS other partners include Arup, Atkins, Centrica, DnV, Dong, E.ON, EDF, Fugro, GE, Mojo Maritime, Qinetiq, RES, RWE, Skanska, Tata Steel. 

REMS is the second EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training at Cranfield. The STREAM programme – an Industrial Doctoral Centre for the water sector was awarded funding in January 2014.

Press Release, April 03, 2014; Image: George Osborne