Parsons Brinckerhoff (UK) is supporting an innovative research programme announced this week to stimulate innovation and the development of new technology for the UK’s burgeoning offshore wind industry.
With £3 million of funding through the Northern Way Innovation Programme, the high profile project will focus on some of the key challenges presented by the new round of large wind turbines to be installed in deep water offshore in Round 3 sites and other sites around the UK in the coming years. Key areas being addressed include foundation technology, installation techniques and electrical connections.
Parsons Brinckerhoff is part of the ‘FabFound’ consortium which will develop new ‘monopile’ foundation designs capable of mass production and straightforward installation. This will be essential in order to meet the high demand anticipated for these deep water structures over the next 20 years.
Nick Flew, managing director of Parsons Brinckerhoff’s European business, said: “This type of programme is essential for developing the designs, tools and techniques needed to support the installation of wind turbines in hostile deepwater environments. The growth in offshore wind in the UK will form a vital part of the UK’s future generation mix and will be essential for helping us meet the ambitious carbon reduction targets set by the UK government.”
The Northern Wind Innovation Programme, funded by the Northern Way (a partnership of One North East, Northwest Regional Development Agency and Yorkshire Forward) is being delivered by the New and Renewable Energy Centre and Envirolink Northwest.
A range of projects and consortia are involved in the three main elements of the overall programme. The FabFound consortium is being led by the TWI Ltd and includes Parsons Brinckerhoff, RCID at Newcastle University, SeTech, McNulty Offshore Construction, Vattenfall Wind Power, Scottish Power and Clipper Windpower.