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Two
energy technology and innovation organisations have today {22nd
July, 2020} announced a five-year collaboration to deliver next generation
energy technologies and accelerate the United Kingdom’s transition to
a net zero future.
The Energy Transition Alliance (ETA), formed by The Oil & Gas Technology
Centre (OGTC) and the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, will collaborate
with the energy industry to drive a focused, funded programme to develop
advanced technologies, including the next generation of hydrogen production
and floating offshore wind.
Today, the partners
in the ETA are launching an ambitious programme of five initial projects,
which include:
- UK supply
chain specific floating wind foundation competition: stimulating innovation
in floating wind, to reduce the cost of floating foundations by 25-30%
- AC/DC Footprint
miniaturisation: developing a prototype AC/DC conversion technology
that reduces CO2, has a footprint 10x smaller and 5x cheaper than existing
technologies and is anticipated to generate £7.7bn savings to industry
- Power from shore:
a call to industry for technologies which reduce the cost of power from
shore, including cross-operator projects, and can help industry eliminate
offshore platform CO2e emissions which currently represent 2% of the UK’s
total CO2e emissions
- UK offshore renewables
supply chain deep dive study: maximising the full potential of the
UK supply chain in the production, installation and decommissioning of
offshore renewables, creating 27,000 jobs in offshore wind by 2030
- Sustainable wind
turbine decommissioning: developing a commercially viable solution
for the cost-effective recycling and re-processing of wind turbine blades,
which is expected to bring $1bn value to market
The
ETA is funded in its first year by the OGTC and ORE Catapult, and will
look to government and industry, among other sources, to secure funding
for future years.
Colette
Cohen, OGTC's CEO, said: “The creation of the Energy Transition Alliance
comes at a pivotal time for our industry and the future of the North Sea
as we transition to a net zero basin. Technology, innovation and a willingness
to work cross sector will be essential if we are to successfully deliver
on our net zero goal.
“This
Alliance is an exciting step towards a more integrated energy future for
the UK. Our partnership with the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult harnesses
the expertise of both organisations to accelerate the UK’s energy transition.”
Andrew
Jamieson, ORE Catapult's Chief Executive, said: “The energy transition
to deliver net zero presents a massive opportunity for the UK. Innovation
to meet the global demand for green energy technologies will ensure that
we retain our world-leading position in offshore renewables, creating many
thousands of jobs and significant economic growth.
“Floating
offshore wind in particular is an area of massive potential, and the oil
and gas industry’s extensive experience of operating in the marine environment
for many decades can be the enabler that ensures that the UK not only delivers
a complete energy transition, but also a sustainable, world-leading green
energy industry.”
