MaRINET Marine Renewables Infrastructure Network (UK)

MARINET (Marine Renewables Infrastructure Network), is a €9 million EU funded FP7 project which aims to accelerate the development of marine renewable energy (wave, tidal and offshore wind) by coordinating marine research and development at all scales (small models through to prototype scales from laboratory through to open sea tests) and allowing researchers and developers access to specialist marine renewable energy centres across Europe.

 What Narec will offer

Narec will provide 49 weeks of access to its testing facilities for marine prototype testing, tidal turbine drive train (3MW capacity) and electrical grid integration. The project offers significant contribution towards the costs of the test (up to €17,276 per week plus up to €1,000 travel and expenses allowance for each user group).

 Narec facilities available for use under the project include:

•  3MW turbine drive train test rig: 10 weeks total allocated allowance
• Charles Parsons Technology Centre (electrical & materials): 24 weeks total allocated allowance:
• Dry dock/wave test: 15 weeks total allocated allowance:

 Timeframe and access

There will be at least four calls for applications over the next four years (April 2011-Marc 2015).

Call 1 – The first call is open now until 29th Feb 2012 with access to facilities commencing May 2012.

Call 2 – The second call will open in July 2012 and close on the 26th September 2012.

[mappress]

Offshore WIND staff, January 26, 2012; Image: narec