ORI will be based in Dundee and will develop and deliver solutions for the offshore wind industry in the North Sea and globally.
The partnership will focus on four key areas of expertise that are particularly relevant to the offshore renewables industry, including Regulation, Law and Economics – including policy, regulation and finance; Environment and Consents – covering environmental impact, long-term monitoring, and mitigation strategies; Design, Fabrication and Installation – including foundations and substructures, geotechnics and access; and Asset Management, covering operations, safety and reliability, and training.
Commenting on the initiative, University of Aberdeen principal and vice-chancellor professor Sir Ian Diamond said the partner universities are seeking to collaborate with the industry in the delivery and implementation of offshore wind energy projects.
University of Dundee principal and vice-chancellor professor Pete Downes said, "This exciting development builds on the fruits of intensive planning involving our three universities and wind industry experts.
"It will complement work elsewhere in Scotland on turbine manufacture by focussing on areas that can deliver the efficiencies and cost reductions needed to drive the financial viability of this burgeoning industry."
