{"id":48589,"date":"2024-06-18T11:18:41","date_gmt":"2024-06-18T10:18:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/?p=48589"},"modified":"2024-06-18T11:18:41","modified_gmt":"2024-06-18T10:18:41","slug":"innovate-uk-funds-celtic-sea-floating-offshore-wind-project","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/innovate-uk-funds-celtic-sea-floating-offshore-wind-project\/48589\/","title":{"rendered":"Innovate UK awards funding to Celtic Sea floating offshore wind project"},"content":{"rendered":"
The funding will be utilised to establish the Launchpad project, which will ensure a local supply chain for the development and deployment of the unique and flexible floating offshore wind platform – PelaFlex<\/a>.<\/p>\n The \u00a3800,000 project will be led by Marine Power Systems, with Swansea University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering collaborating with Ledwood Mechanical Engineering,\u00a0Tata Steel UK,\u00a0ABP (Associated British Ports) Port Talbot,\u00a0and the\u00a0Port of Milford Haven.<\/p>\n The project aims to unblock the marine energy potential of South-West Wales by developing local supply chains and capitalising on local skills and expertise.<\/p>\n Graham Foster, Chief Technology Officer at Marine Power Systems,\u00a0commented:\u00a0“We are really excited to receive support through Innovate UK.<\/p>\n “With the deployment of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea becoming a reality, the time is absolutely right to work with the local supply chain to optimise the detailed design of our technology and maximise its deliverability.<\/p>\n “A good example of that is that we are confident that through this project, we will be able to optimise our platform design to increase the amount of local steel used to fabricate it from around 10% to over 50%.”<\/p>\n Launchpad will enhance PelaFlex’s structural efficiency by focusing on the challenging conditions in the Celtic Sea and reducing material and deployment costs.<\/p>\n This effort includes using strip steel manufactured in Port Talbot, components fabricated by local suppliers, and assembly and deployment through existing ports in southwest Wales.<\/p>\n Swansea University will contribute design input by applying the latest advancements in structural design modelling.<\/p>\n Ledwood, based in Pembrokeshire, will provide feedback to maximise local supplier support for fabrication.<\/p>\n Input from Associated British Ports and the Port of Milford Haven will ensure that the platform can be assembled and deployed from these locations, minimising the required investment.<\/p>\n Mark Davies of Ledwood Mechanical Engineering, added:\u00a0“Launchpad represents another step forward for the emerging floating offshore wind industry.<\/p>\n As a locally-based engineering company, we are pleased to be working with MPS, Tata Steel, the Port of Milford Haven, ABP Port Talbot and Swansea University to help build a local supply chain by capitalising on the skills, expertise and infrastructure that we have here in South-West Wales.<\/p>\n “This is an exciting time for us, and we hope the region can take advantage of the opportunities that will soon emerge.”<\/p>\n The project will support Tata Steel UK’s vision to decarbonise Port Talbot’s steel production, including producing green strip steel<\/a> using an electric arc furnace.<\/p>\nLaunchpad aims<\/h3>\n
Design and fabrication support<\/h3>\n
Floating offshore wind platform assembly and deployment<\/h3>\n
Supporting decarbonisation and industrial development<\/h3>\n