UK Boosts Offshore Renewable Sector with GBP 50 Million

The UK Government today confirmed that the UK-wide consortium bid from Ocean Energy Innovation, Carbon Trust and the National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec), has been selected to set up the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, a £50 million technology innovation project funded by the Technology Strategy Board.

Scottish Enterprise has worked intensively leading the Ocean Energy Innovation faction of the consortium and is delighted to welcome the news that the headquarter function of the Catapult will be located within its flagship International Technology and Renewable Energy Zone in Glasgow.

Welcoming the news, Dr Lena Wilson, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise said on behalf of Ocean Energy Innovation:

“Today’s confirmation that Ocean Energy Innovation’s collaborative bid with Narec and the Carbon Trust has been successful is excellent news for the UK’s offshore renewable energy sector.

“This new Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult comes at a critical time in the evolution of this exciting new industry and will bring together the very best of the public and private sectors to work in partnership to further develop a globally competitive renewable energy business environment that builds on the UK’s academia, industry excellence and existing competitive advantage.

“Work to establish the HQ at the International Technology and Renewable Energy Zone in Glasgow is already underway to ensure the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult is up and running as quickly as possible to help accelerate progress in the wind, wave and tidal sectors.

“Through this collaborative venture we will work strategically, bringing together innovative companies with key research institutions, to support the development of pioneering low carbon technologies, from initial ideas through development, demonstration and testing to full scale commercial deployment, securing significant economic and environmental benefits for the UK.”

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Offshore Nieuws Staff , February 9, 2012; Image: scottish-enterprise