The Offshore Wind Innovation Exchange (OWiX) has announced the opening of a Call for Ideas for its first four innovation challenges, as identified by key players in the offshore wind industry.
OWiX is a cross-sector pilot scheme that aims to accelerate the cost reduction of offshore wind by matching industry challenges with innovative solutions adapted from other parts of the economy. At the same time, it will provide targeted opportunities for UK businesses in different industries to deliver into the renewable energy supply chain, Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult explained.
It is the first in a series of activities planned for the Offshore Wind Innovation Hub . Delivered jointly by the ORE Catapult and Innovate UK’s Knowledge Transfer Network, the Hub is the UK’s primary coordinating body for offshore wind innovation.
The OWiX programme team has worked with industry operators and equipment manufacturers to develop specific innovation challenges that predominantly focus on near-term issues that could make a substantial difference to the cost of energy of operating wind farms and newly constructed Round 2 and 3 developments.
Dr Nee-Joo Teh , Energy Systems Lead at the Knowledge Transfer Network, said: “In a week when we have seen renewable energy sources provide over half of the UK’s power for the first time, it’s clear there is tremendous potential for offshore wind to contribute to our long-term energy needs. By bringing UK industry together to help improve that technology, we are helping not only to build a low-carbon future, but to drive economic opportunity.”
Dr Stephen Wyatt , Research & Disruptive Innovation Director at ORE Catapult, said: “OWiX forms a key element of the Offshore Wind Innovation Hub and is helping us align the sector’s priorities with the UK’s most innovative companies.”
The Call for Ideas is open until Friday 11 th August.