Narec is developing a Renewable Energy Technology Accelerator programme to collaborate with industry.
RETA will work with manufacturing and engineering companies in North East England to take forward specific technology development projects in key areas of the offshore renewables supply chain, introduce innovative products and services to market, create and safeguard jobs and accelerate RD&D projects. The programme will be supported by both investment and technology support from Narec (to a maximum of 50% of the project value).
Potential Project Support Areas
The programme is expected to run from February 2013 until no later than March 2015. Projects will typically have a value between £250k – £750k and be required to fit one or more of the following areas:
1. Novel Offshore Cable Installation and Monitoring Technologies
2. Improved Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Techniques
3. Foundation Design and Installation Feasibility Studies
4. Offshore Renewable Energy Grid Integration
5. Novel Marine Renewable Device Development
Expression of Interest
Interested partners will be required to complete a short EoI. The first call will open on Wednesday 17th October, with a deadline of 2nd November. Any requests for further information, in advance of the EoI submission, should be received by Wednesday 31st October 2012. The deadline for final submissions of the EoI is 17:00hrs on Friday 2nd November 2012.
All EoI’s will be reviewed by Friday 9th November. Those that are best aligned with the objectives of the programme and maximise benefit to the industry and region will be invited to submit a full business case. The programme is expected to commence by January 2013, subject to final approval of European and national Government funding.
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Press release, October 17, 2012; Image: narec