Better and cheaper offshore wind farms are the goal for a new cooperative effort on renewable energy between the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and the research institute SINTEF have signed an agreement to work together on renewable energy.
They have also established a new joint research centre for offshore wind called the Nordic Offshore Wind R&I Centre (NOWRIC) with a goal to work with the industry to develop better, cheaper solutions for offshore wind farms. The three partners together with the companies mentioned below have some of the globe’s strongest maritime research groups.
The work between there partners will focus on the following issues:
- Foundations, materials and marine operations
- Network connections, system integration and energy storage
- Digitization, operation and maintenance and management system for offshore wind farms
Offshore wind is an important, environmentally friendly energy source which has seen a strong global development as the technology constantly evolves, tmeaning that research and innovation is crucial for success.
DTU’s president said the two universities had already worked with SINTEF for many years, which helped establish the Nordic Offshore Wind R&I Centre.
The NTNU has educated more than 50 PhDs in offshore wind over the last 10 years and collaboration with DTU and SINTEF means faster production of knowledge for the offshore wind sector.
While the core collaboration centers around these academic and research institutions, several Norwegian and Danish companies are actively engaged in offshore wind research and development with these institutions. The most important companies include:
Norwegian Companies
- Equinor: A major energy company involved in offshore wind projects.
- DNV: Provides risk management and quality assurance services to the energy industry.
- Kongsberg Maritime: Offers technology solutions for offshore energy applications.
- Aker Offshore Wind: Specializes in developing deepwater offshore wind energy projects.
- Fred. Olsen Renewables: Engages in renewable energy projects, including offshore wind.
Danish Companies:
- Ørsted: A global leader in offshore wind development.
- Vestas Offshore Wind: Designs, manufactures, installs, and services wind turbines.
- Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy: Provides offshore wind turbine technology and services.
Photo: Operation Vessels to be used by Vattenfall at existing and planned offshore wind farms in the North Sea. The vessels will be built, owned, and operated by French Group Louis Dreyfus Armateurs and will be registered under the French flag. The ships have been specifically designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions during both operations and transit while meeting the harsh conditions of the North Sea.
