The UK’s Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult and Spain-based Tecnalia are collaborating on offshore renewable energy research and development.
Both the organizations have signed a collaboration agreement with an intention of developing R&D projects to tackle technology challenges that are being faced by the sector.
They will partner on EU frameworks and will share testing and demonstration experience in offshore wind energy technologies.
The goal is to enhance existing testing capabilities and facilitate access to each other’s testing infrastructure.
ORE Catapult and Tecnalia will also exchange knowledge on high voltage direct current technologies, rain erosion test methodologies, erosion coating technologies and measurement techniques.
ORE Catapult innovation & research director Ignacio Martí Pérez said: "Working collaboratively with Tecnalia will enable us to develop international best practise in technology research and development and to focus on accelerating cross border innovation.
"We can then share that knowledge, ultimately benefitting the whole offshore renewables industry and helping to drive down the cost of energy from offshore wind."
Staff from ORE Catapult and Tecnalia will sit on each other’s respective advisory groups, to find and prioritise areas where new approaches and technological development can speed up cost reductions.
Tecnalia energy and environment director Luis Pedrosa said: "Through this framework, sharing knowledge, experiences, facilities, Tecnalia and ORE Catapult will directly support the energy industry to harness the benefits of the huge energy resource that is the sea. Our collaboration will boost the offshore renewable industry."
Image: The ORE Catapult and Tecnalia will work together to tackle some of the key technology challenges of the renewable energy. Photo: Courtesy of Tecnalia.