UNITED KINGDOM
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
KEY R&D INSTITUTIONS AND RELEVANT R&D PROJECTS
ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES INSTITUTE (ETI)
Live marine ETI projects: Tidal Energy Converter Phase 2. This is the second phase of the ETI Tidal Energy Converter (TEC) Project. It will design, build and test a multi-turbine foundation structure. Two 1.5 MW turbines will be installed on the structure at the Atlantis owned MeyGen tidal stream array in Pentland Firth, Scotland, increasing the rated capacity of the tidal array from 6 MW to 9 MW (enough to power 4,500 local homes). Atlantis are developing a patent pending innovative and cost effective turbine foundation design, which nearing completion.
INNOVATE UK
Innovate UK helps organisations and individuals network, share ideas and find project partners. They also offer opportunities to work with international partners, major businesses and government. Expert knowledge from universities and research organisations can be gained through their Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. In addition to accessing specialist networks through their free online networking platform _connect.
THE OFFSHORE RENEWABLE ENERGY CATAPULT (ORE CATAPULT)
The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult became operational in 2013. It was established by Innovate UK to accelerate the development of innovative technology that will lead to cost reductions in the offshore wind, wave and tidal sectors. It is one of seven Catapult centres set up to bridge the gap between research and commercialisation in the UK. By analysing and prioritising industry issues and by active involvement in current research developments, the ORE Catapult will initiate programmes to accelerate the development of innovative engineering solutions.
Following the merger with the National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec), the ORE Catapult now offers an integrated engineering, research and testing capability for the offshore renewable energy sector. Facilities include powertrain testing, still water docks, simulated seabed, component testing, high voltage laboratory and wind turbine blade testing.
ORE Catapult participate in various wave and tidal stream related projects, such as looking at improvements to the reliability of tidal turbine powertrains.
