Elia Group to Launch Open Innovation Challenge with Offshore Wind in Focus

Elia Group is set to launch its fifth Open Innovation Challenge which will focus on innovative solutions for offshore wind applications.

Elia Group comprises two transmission system operators, Elia in Belgium and 50Hertz in northeast Germany.

The Open Innovation Challenge aims to connect the industry to the wider ecosystem of startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in an effort to drive innovation and accelerate towards a common objective: a successful energy transition that contributes to a carbon-neutral society, Elia Group said.

Given the huge volume of electricity demand that needs to be covered by renewables, Europe will have to harvest its wind potential further offshore.

Consequently, offshore grid operation is entering a new phase of development, with all the challenges and opportunities for innovation that brings.

The group is looking for innovative solutions in four categories: Sustainability – finding ways to reduce the impact of the offshore installations and operations on ecosystems; Remote operations and maintenance – ways to decrease physical access and enhance the safety of operations; Grid integration – tackling challenges that come with offshore and onshore grid integration and expansion; and Thinking outside the box – other technologies that could generate any other common benefit.

The competition is open to startups from around the world. Five finalists will present their proposals at the grand finale in Berlin on 17 June 2021. The winner of the challenge will receive EUR 20,000, mentoring, and the chance to roll out their project within Elia Group.