AN INNOVATIVE ROADMAP FOR DECARBONISATION OF OFFSHORE WIND

As more and more organisations make the transition into renewable energy, it’s important that there is funding, innovation, infrastructure and policy to support the growth of the industry. Offshore wind is already a major part of the renewable energy sector now and this is likely to remain true for the future. It will, therefore, contribute significantly to the achievement of net zero targets in the UK and around the world.

As more and more organisations make the transition into renewable energy, it’s important that there is funding, innovation, infrastructure and policy to support the growth of the industry. Offshore wind is already a major part of the renewable energy sector now and this is likely to remain true for the future. It will, therefore, contribute significantly to the achievement of net zero targets in the UK and around the world.

Like all industries, realising the full potential of the offshore wind market will require collaboration between individuals, organisations and regulatory bodies. This is especially important for those who build, manage and operate associated ports and the vessels they support across the UK, which will need to increase capacity and evolve to meet thechanging demands of the sector in the years to come. Stuart Barnes, Regional Partnership Manager for the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult (a dedicated member of RenewableUK), discusses the innovation roadmap to the decarbonisation of offshore wind operations and maintenance (O&M) vessels in the UK:

“It’s important to understand the barriers that UK ports and vessel operators must overcome in order to support clean maritime operations in the O&M of offshore wind. The capital investment needed for development of clean maritime port infrastructure is the first hurdle, combined with physical constraints such as limits to the space available within some ports and the proximity to homes and workplaces that may limit opportunities for some forms of alternative fuel storage, for example. In addition, many ports face significant grid constraint issues, which must be addressed to unlock the potential for clean maritime operations.

“It has also become clear that the sector is lacking an effective risk-reward system. To make clean maritime work throughout the supply chain, we need offshore wind operators, vessel operators, vessel designers and builders, and ports to work together. As many are providers/clients to one another, the commercial relationships between them can sometimes limit the extent to which a collaborative approach to innovation is possible.

“A potential solution to help reduce or remove these barriers is greater Government intervention. This might take the form of public funding to support the development of port infrastructure, as is common throughout other European countries.

“Specific industry targets or government deadlines for decarbonisation might also help. This would provide a level playing field and potentially encourage greater collaboration both vertically and horizontally across the supply chain. Targets and deadlines could also help to make the business case for investment in clean maritime, placing greater emphasis on the need to transition and driving accelerated adoption of technologies.

“One thing is certain – we need to see demonstrations happening at scale very soon if the UK is to remain competitive with port operators elsewhere in Europe. We are already seeing planning, investment decisions development and construction of groundbreaking clean maritime infrastructure projects in Europe with ports such as Esbjerg, Antwerp, Copenhagen, Ostend, Heligoland and others mobilising for clean maritime operations – the UK must act now to keep pace.”

Turning his attention to the projects recently completed or currently in progress by ORE Catapult, Stuart demonstrates the scope of the company to support the industry and facilitate future growth. He continues:

“ORE Catapult is currently involved with several projects that are helping to drive the industry forward. We’ve been working for the Department of Transport to create a roadmap to maritime decarbonisation for offshore wind O&M in the North Sea. We engaged with a wide range of UK and European industry stakeholders, focusing on technical, commercial and policy barriers to the decarbonisation of

the sector. In identifying the main challenges, we were also able to make evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and industry – which has now been published.

“We have also been working with Bibby Marine Services to scope out a zero-emissions service operating vessel (SOV) concept, a project with financial backing from MarRI-UK. In addition, we are supporting several innovation consortia currently seeking funding to deliver clean maritime R&D projects in offshore wind with the support of the Government’s clean maritime demonstration competition. There are projects looking into electric vessels, hydrogen vessels and offshore charging systems, to name just a few.

“Finally, we are excited to be working with partners including ABP, Lloyds Register, Rix fuels, Wood Group, Infrastrata, the Workboat Association, TP Group, MJR and ZEM-Tech to develop proposals for a national clean maritime demonstration hub based at the Port of Grimsby, which is the world’s largest offshore wind O&M port. It would be a really unique facility providing alternative fuels and shore-based charging facilities, bringing together innovators, regulators, class societies and industry to help rapidly develop and commercialise clean maritime innovation for the offshore wind industry and beyond.”

Clearly, the UK offshore wind sector is in a strong position to help realise even our most ambitious net zero targets. With the coming together of industry, continued innovation and Government policy designed to support rapid and streamlined growth, there will be some truly exciting opportunities for further significant decarbonisation.

Stuart concludes:

“ORE Catapult believes that the offshore wind industry is ideally positioned to act as a springboard to broader maritime decarbonisation. If we can start to reduce barriers to market growth, with Government interventions facilitating standardisation and incentivising development, opportunities could be realised on a huge scale.”

If you are interested in finding out more about any of the work ORE Catapult is currently undertaking, please email info@ore.catapult.org.uk or visit the website www.ore.catapult.org.uk/.

For more details about RenewableUK and what you could benefit from joining, please visit www.renewableuk.com/