The Offshore Wind Innovation Hub has launched its first programme, the Offshore Wind Innovation Exchange (OWIX). It aims to accelerate cost reduction in offshore wind by matching industry challenges with innovative solutions adapted from other sectors of the economy.
This is the first in a series of activities planned for the Innovation Hub. It will help UK companies access funding in order to progress new technology solutions for the UK market. It plans to launch an online platform, which will include a technology roadmap of UK offshore wind innovation priorities and a comprehensive view of the funding landscape.
Delivered jointly by the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and Innovate UK’s Knowledge Transfer Network, the Offshore Wind Innovation Hub will be the UK’s primary coordinating body for offshore wind innovation.
Nee-Joo Teh, energy systems lead at the Knowledge Transfer Network, said: “With OWIX, we are working with offshore wind companies to learn about their greatest challenges. We believe that we can really help to make offshore wind energy more sustainable through a cross-sectoral platform targeting transferable, innovation solutions from other industries. We hope to leverage the unique reach of all of the Catapults in engaging with the business community.”
Subscribers login to read New Power’s interview with Matthew Knight, director of strategy and government affairs, GB & Ireland, Siemens.
He says: “The role of the Catapult is not to poach from industry its experts and put them in an ivory tower, it is to convene and encourage people to collaborate on best practice answers and then try the options on a dock somewhere.” Has the Catapult heard that plea?
Further reading:
Cost of offshore wind falls 32% in five years
Carbon Trust launches competition to reduce cable damage during offshore construction
Feature: On track for offshore wind targets (members only)
Subscribe to New Power for full analysis, comment, interviews and data in our monthly report, and access to our database, and sign up to our FREE e-newsletter for website updates