RWE has revealed that is seeking to attract UK companies to respond to three priority challenges within the offshore wind industry via Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult’s Launch Academy, which is now open to new applications.
Autonomous solutions and the best way to integrate them into wind farm site investigations, construction, and operations and maintenance (O&M) is the first challenge for which RWE is looking for responses.
The second challenge is about solutions to measure and reduce the environmental impacts of offshore wind farm construction and operations on birds.
The last challenge focuses on ideas and innovations in cable monitoring and protection, aiming to secure a reduction in offshore wind farm cable failures.
Since Launch Academy began , 20 companies have progressed through the nine-month programme that focuses on accelerating technology within the offshore renewables industry.
It is designed to enhance the UK’s offshore wind supply chain, enable greater UK content, and support cost reduction through innovation, RWE said.
Successful companies receive support worth around GBP 25,000, assisting them to grow and develop their technology and business, and commercialise their solutions.
In August, ten UK technology companies secured more than GBP 1 million in funding to help deliver solutions for the UK’s offshore wind industry.
The companies shared their progress at ORE Catapult’s National Renewable Energy Centre in Blyth to mark the midway point of their Launch Academy journey.