Flotation Energy has partnered up with the University of Melbourne to develop students’ and researchers’ skills in the growing renewable energy sector and support Australia’s transition to renewable energy.
The University’s Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Flotation Energy, which has offshore wind projects in Australia, Japan, Taiwan, and the UK, specialising in both bottom-fixed and floating wind farms.
As well as developing students’ and researchers’ skills in the growing renewable energy sector, the partnership will allow Flotation Energy to incorporate cutting-edge research into the company’s processes, design, and training, the partners said.
“This MOU is research and industry at its best – a clear example of how education, training and skills can be delivered in a tailored and demand-driven way directly to industry,” said Carolyn Sanders , Australian Managing Director of Flotation Energy.
“Through the MOU, we have already begun workshops to plan joint projects. The University of Melbourne has internationally recognised research expertise in many areas relevant to our sector, and our MOU will strengthen technical skills and know-how to ensure we have a workforce that can deliver offshore wind to Australia”.
Under the MoU, students and academics from several disciplines will also have opportunities to participate in the Seadragon offshore wind development in Bass Strait.
The Seadragon offshore wind project is planned to be operational in 2030. The 1.5 GW project is expected to bring USD 6 billion of investment into the Gippsland region and forms part of an estimated USD 40 billion of proposed energy projects that are already creating employment opportunities.
At the end of last year, TEPCO Renewable Power entered into an agreement with Flotation Energy to purchase 100 per cent of Flotation Energy’s issued shares.