Crown Estate Scotland has announced a £250,000 investment to support the Floating Offshore Wind Centre of Excellence, led by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult. The funding will be directed toward the Environmental Interactions Strategic Programme (EISP), a multi-year initiative aimed at improving the environmental sustainability of the UK’s floating offshore wind sector.
Boosting Environmental Impact Assessments
The EISP will focus on advancing the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process for floating offshore wind projects, which differ from traditional fixed wind installations in terms of their environmental and operational impacts. The programme seeks to address uncertainties surrounding the use of mooring systems, dynamic cables, and potential interactions with marine ecosystems, as well as other sea users.
According to Andrew Stormonth-Darling, ORE Catapult’s Principal Portfolio Manager for Floating Offshore Wind, the UK is a global leader in floating wind technology. However, to maintain this position, further research is necessary to understand and manage the environmental interactions associated with floating turbines effectively.
Enhancing Knowledge for Sustainable Development
Andy Riley, Head of Offshore Wind at Crown Estate Scotland, underscored the importance of the programme in bridging existing knowledge gaps within the sector. He emphasized that understanding and mitigating the environmental impacts of floating offshore wind will be essential for scaling up the technology sustainably and efficiently.
The EISP Steering Group, now featuring a diverse range of stakeholders including DEFRA, DESNZ, Marine Scotland, Natural Resources Wales, and The Crown Estate, will work collaboratively to drive the research and innovation needed to de-risk future projects.
A Collaborative Approach to Growth
This joint effort is designed to reduce the overall costs of floating offshore wind projects while promoting sustainable growth in the industry. By enhancing environmental assessments and understanding, the initiative aims to support the long-term development of floating wind energy as a key component of the UK’s renewable energy transition.
