How innovation drives offshore wind supply chain growth

The importance of innovation in Scotland’s offshore wind sector

Scotland’s ambitions in offshore wind are driven by net-zero targets, energy transition and economic growth.  In each of these cases, there is a clear role for innovation. It will drive cost reduction, enable new entrants from oil and gas and, through inward investment and exports, will realise considerable economic benefits. 

The Scottish Offshore Wind Energy Council (SOWEC) is a partnership between the Scottish public sector and the offshore wind industry with a vision of a world-class offshore wind sector in Scotland.  Recognising the importance of innovation, SOWEC established an Innovation Working Group (IWG) to ensure that the sector strives for innovative solutions through cross-sector and supply chain collaboration. With members from developers and innovation organisations, the IWG seeks to showcase innovative companies and highlight the opportunities and support available. 

Cost Reduction - built on innovation

Net zero targets simply won’t be met without offshore wind deployment and this will not happen without a continued focus on cost reduction.  This is particularly true for floating wind which is a priority for Scotland, given that much of our seabed is deeper than is suitable for traditional fixed-bottom turbines. Floating wind also shares many synergies with oil & gas technology that Scotland already plays host to in the north sea.  Cost reduction will happen as volumes increase and lessons are learned but targeted R&D is required to find the most efficient solutions for moorings, anchors and dynamic electrical cables which will be essential to make Floating Wind as low cost as possible.

Energy Transition – innovation provides the bridge

Innovation can also provide a bridge between the oil and gas sector and offshore wind. The ability to transfer skills, experience, and knowledge from one sector to the other is an essential part of the energy transition. Innovation from the oil and gas supply chain companies (especially relating to subsea activity) will be key to solving some of the major challenges.

Economic Growth – R&D catalyses inward investment and exports

World-class R&D capabilities put Scotland in a great place. They attract inward investment and drive exports, with international investors recognise the importance of supply chain clusters that are built around strong R&D centres. The Green Freeports and the Energy Transition Zone (ETZ) are enabling inward investment and creating clusters of expertise that will in turn bring further investment.

Innovation Guide

In January, SOWEC IWG published The Offshore Wind Innovation Guide.  This includes case studies that show the breadth of activity and the importance of joined up support mechanisms from the visionary work of the academic sector through to the test and demonstration activities being undertaken on operational wind farms in Scotland.

The Innovation Guide provides inspiration and is a fantastic handbook of resources.  For the aspiring innovator looking to grow into the offshore wind sector in Scotland I would also recommend the following four basic principles:

1. Understand the requirements and engage with the market

Innovation does not succeed without a market.  The Innovation Guide provides some priorities for Scotland on future requirements but there are many additional sources of challenges.

Trade associations and clusters can provide networking opportunities across the supply chain and help identify the right customer for new products and services.  (Hint: it is often not the developer that is the customer.)

2. Embrace Partnerships and Collaboration

Finding complementary companies to work with can unlock larger opportunities. Innovation support organisations such as InnovateUK, Horizon Europe and UKRI recognise the benefits of collaborative R&D.  The Innovation Guide identifies academic and research organisations that could provide the missing ingredient for new products and services.

3. Plan for Test and Demonstration

Demonstrating and validating new products and services is an essential part of the commercialisation journey.  There are many engineering labs and research organisations that can help from product development through to qualification, one notable example being the  Floating Wind Innovation Centre (FLOWIC) in Aberdeen, developed by ourselves at ORE Catapult, for the development of cables, anchors and mooring lines.  

4. Welcome Business Advice

Developing an engineering solution is only one part of innovation. Understanding the market, securing IP, building the right business model and securing investment are all necessary to be commercially successful.  Fortunately, help is available in the form of both expertise and funding from Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and South of Scotland Enterprise agencies.

When it comes to offshore wind, we have a lot more learning ahead of us than we have behind us, so innovation is set to play a vital role in ensuring Scotland reaps the full benefits, for both our environment and our economy.