The UK Government-backed body’s UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has made the award through its Place Based Impact Acceleration Account (PBIAA) scheme. It will leverage the expertise of both universities and the FTO cluster to address critical challenges in offshore wind technology, fostering innovations that will drive sustainable energy solutions and further strengthen Scotland’s position as a global leader in offshore wind. 

The East coast of Scotland is viewed as the ideal location from which to run the programme, as it is currently home to the majority of Scotland’s offshore wind farms which are in various stages of development. It also boasts a rich diversity of supply chain companies, from developers to SMEs supported by world-class infrastructure, with a diverse range of ports and Forth Green Freeport – now open for business – all within the region. 

This funding marks a major milestone for the partnership, aligning with the UK Government’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2045.

Professor Alasdair McDonald, chair in Renewable Technologies at the University of Edinburgh, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating: “This funding will enable us to push the boundaries of offshore wind technology, from improved design and engineering practices to enhanced environmental impact analysis. 

“Our collaboration with the University of Dundee and the Forth and Tay Offshore Cluster will allow us to harness collective strengths and knowledge, leading to breakthroughs that will benefit the industry and society at large.”

Professor Michael Brown, from the University of Dundee’s School of Science and Engineering, said: “This project is a great opportunity for local industry and business to innovate through working more closely with Dundee and Edinburgh universities, and it will cultivate closer working to tackle the remaining challenges for fixed wind and the new challenges coming with floating wind. 

“With a focus on the East coast of Scotland, this opportunity will benefit areas such as Montrose, Dundee, Fife, Edinburgh and the local ports as well as the wider renewable energy supply chain.”

Forth and Tay is a very strong and successful regional cluster, which is both well-funded and well supported, representing a wide range of industry stakeholders and supply chain companies, with a 500-strong membership base of SMEs. The funding builds on the significant successes to date and positions the cluster for further sustained growth and supply chain development. As project activity increases across the region’s key marshalling ports, the Forth and Tay Offshore Cluster will ensure that the co-developed innovation is closely aligned with market needs, expediting the pathway from research to implementation

The project will drive job creation, economic growth, and innovation within the renewable energy sector, creating new opportunities for Scotland’s coastal communities. It will benefit regional and local economic and communities including new jobs, skills development, private investment and the growth of start-ups.

David Webster, chair of Forth and Tay Offshore Cluster and commercial director at Forth Ports, said: “Offshore wind is a gamechanger for the East of Scotland and we are all pioneers as the industry develops and evolves. 

“We are more than excited to be able to contribute to this vitally important piece of work that has such immense potential to positively impact the renewable energy sector and beyond.”

UKRI’s £2.5m funding award underlines its commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. As the offshore wind sector grows, partnerships like this one between academic institutions and industry clusters will be key in ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of renewable energy innovation.