Equinor has partnered with Integrated Smart Energy Laboratory (ISEL), a sub-group of the North East Energy Catalyst, through which the developer will work with the UK research institutions to support research and development activities targeted at key offshore wind industry challenges.
ISEL combines existing smart grid capabilities at Durham University, Newcastle University, and the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult in Blyth, creating a new capacity with an internationally unique offer, Equinor said.
The Norwegian company, announced last year as a partner in the North East Energy Catalyst network, will provide offshore wind farm data to support data analytics driving innovations in areas of interest to ISEL including modelling full systems integration, matching generation to hydrogen via electrolysis, predictive maintenance of offshore assets, and cyber security & blockchain.
“ Offshore wind is experiencing major growth in the UK and new innovations are needed to support the pace and scale of build out. We are extremely proud to be working with internationally renowned universities and research institutions here in the region to help advance industry learning”, said Tom Nightingale , North East Stakeholder Manager at Equinor.
“Equinor is committed to delivering on our offshore wind sector deal commitments and this partnership supports our ambitions to collaborate with the North East offshore wind cluster where we will operate our flagship Dogger Bank project”.
Equinor, together with SSE Renewables and Eni, is currently developing the world’s largest offshore wind farm, the 3.6 GW Dogger Bank Wind Farm, located more than 130 kilometres off the North East Coast of England.