United Kingdom – Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult and GE Vernova’s Offshore Wind business have joined forces once again in a pioneering research collaboration. The £4 million agreement aims to drive down the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) by developing cutting-edge technologies, enhancing turbine performance, and revolutionizing operations and maintenance through smart solutions.
The new research collaboration between GE Vernova and ORE Catapult builds on the success of their previous ‘Stay Ashore’ programme. The initiative brought together teams from both organizations and fostered collaborations with UK businesses, ranging from micro-SMEs to large companies. The primary objective of the ‘Stay Ashore’ programme was to develop products and services that could extend the life of offshore wind components, significantly contributing to the industry’s growth.
The new agreement, with a focus on research and development, aims to drive down the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) for the global offshore wind market. By creating innovative and sustainable technological solutions, the partnership aims to enhance turbine performance, optimize operations, and improve maintenance processes. These advancements have the potential to revolutionize the offshore wind industry and make it a more cost-effective and reliable energy source.
‘Stay Ashore’ programme
During the ‘Stay Ashore’ programme, GE Vernova and ORE Catapult successfully developed wind turbine digital twins, leveraging real-time data from over 70 operational wind turbines. The digital twins were complemented with virtual physics-based models, enabling a comprehensive understanding of turbine components and systems. Data analytics were utilized to inform turbine operations and maintenance, maximizing their efficiency and lifespan.
The new research collaboration aims to tackle some of the most significant challenges facing the offshore wind industry. By investing in applied research, the partnership aims to unlock key innovations that will facilitate the large-scale deployment of offshore wind projects. These innovations have the potential to shape the future of the offshore wind sector and drive sustainable growth.
Andrew Jamieson, Chief Executive of ORE Catapult, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting its potential to support the growth of the UK offshore wind sector. By combining expertise and research capabilities, the partnership seeks to enable innovative UK companies to develop cutting-edge technological solutions. Furthermore, it presents opportunities for UK companies to export their skills and services to global markets, cementing the UK’s position as a leader in the offshore wind industry.
Vincent Schellings, Chief Technology Officer of GE Vernova’s Offshore Wind business, emphasized the importance of using innovation to enhance offshore wind’s efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. The partnership with ORE Catapult plays a crucial role in this mission, fostering a deeper understanding of how technology can drive advancements in the offshore wind sector, both in the UK and on a global scale.
