MaRINET2 Invites Applications for Free Access to Testing Facilities

On 10 April, the MaRINET2 project launched a call for applications for offshore wind, wave and tidal energy technology developers who want to test their technology.

Successful applicants will receive free access to a network of testing and research infrastructures to test their technology at system or component level.

The call is open until 20 May 2017.

MaRINET2 is a EUR 10.5 million project funded by the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 programme, and coordinated by the MaREI (Marine and Renewable Energy Ireland) Centre. The project aims to accelerate the development of offshore renewable energy technologies by providing free-of-charge access to the network of 57 research facilities across Europe.

Access will be granted through a series of competitive calls for applicants.

MaRINET2 Project Coordinator, Jimmy Murphy, University College Cork, said: “Over the next four years, MaRINET2 will be an important instrument for reducing the cost of development in Europe’s offshore renewable energy sector. It will keep innovative new technologies progressing towards the marketplace, and keep Europe at the cutting edge of development globally. It will also strengthen Europe’s network of world-leading offshore renewables research infrastructure”.

Jose Luis Villate, MaRINET2 Dissemination Coordinator, Tecnalia and offshore renewable energy director at TECNALIA, said: “Access to testing and research infrastructures within MaRINET2 will open collaboration opportunities among different actors in the sector. This is a positive development”.

Christophe Maisondieu, Marinet2 Access Coordinator, Ifremer, said: “The first Marinet project supported 178 projects over a period of 4.5 years, and had a considerable impact on research into offshore renewables in Europe. We will look forward to building on this success in MaRINET2, and help develop exciting new renewable energy technologies from around Europe”.