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NOW collaborates with Wazoku to tackle offshore wind turbine emergencies

By: Chloe Emanuel 29/04/2024 Norwegian Offshore Wind

General Turbines Windfarms

Norwegian Offshore Wind (NOW) has joined forces with innovation scale-up Wazoku to launch a new crowd sourcing campaign aimed at finding innovative solutions to manage emergencies on full-scale floating offshore wind turbines.

The challenge, titled 'Floating Offshore Wind - Safe Solutions for Black Swan Events', marks the beginning of a partnership between NOW and Wazoku. It calls upon sustainability start-ups to propose solutions that prioritise the safety of the environment and human lives, while also ensuring the financial stability and operational efficiency of the offshore wind sector.

Narve Hansen, Accelerator Manager at Norwegian Offshore Wind, highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating, "Offshore wind turbines are often situated in high-risk areas, such as seismic zones and shipping lanes, making emergency management a monumental task. The potential consequences of a turbine becoming unmoored are catastrophic, underscoring the urgency of finding effective solutions. I’m eager to witness the contributions that the Wazoku Crowd, in collaboration with our 380+ members, can bring to this challenge".

The collaboration marks the inaugural challenge under the two-year NOW Accelerator, which focuses on supporting start-ups and scale-ups in the offshore wind industry by connecting them with industry stakeholders, mentors, partners, and investors. The challenge is supported by programme members Å Energi and Corio Generation.

Wazoku, known for its innovation platform and crowd sourcing capabilities, boasts a track record of collaborating with renowned organizations such as Enel, SunNight Solar, and NASA. Its open innovation offering, the Wazoku Crowd, comprises a network of over 700,000 expert problem solvers, including engineers, technologists, CEOs, and start-ups, with an impressive success rate of over 80% in solving challenges.

Submissions for the challenge will be accepted at any Technology Readiness Level (TRL), with a particular focus on solutions at TRL 4 (Proof of Concept) or higher. Criteria for successful solutions include flexibility, scalability, compatibility with North Sea conditions, low maintenance, and longevity. Additionally, innovations demonstrating potential for cross-industry applicability and previous engagement with the industry will be prioritised.

Schønning Eysturoy, Senior Director of Innovation Ecosystems at Wazoku, expressed confidence in the collaborative effort, stating, "The scenario of a giant floating wind turbine breaking loose and endangering a major shipping lane may seem like a plot from a disaster movie, but it is a real possibility. Our crowd has a proven track record in tackling such challenges. With our collective intelligence and the expertise of NOW members, I am optimistic that we can deliver transformative solutions".

In addition to the current challenge, NOW Accelerator has launched further challenges. One, led by Danish multinational energy company Ørsted, focuses on reducing noise emissions from underwater survey equipment for the offshore wind industry. Another, led by Seaway7, aims to advance Floating Offshore Wind (FOW) Mooring & Dynamic Cable infrastructure, addressing issues such as high installation costs and scalability barriers.

The winners of these challenges will have the opportunity to showcase their innovations to the global offshore wind community at Floating Wind Days, Norway's premier conference scheduled for May 29 and 30 in Haugesund.

For more information curated from over 275 offshore wind turbine models, including dimensions and wind speeds, click here.

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NOW collaborates with Wazoku to tackle offshore wind turbine emergencies

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