Crown Estate Scotland backs EMEC research and innovation programme

Crown Estate Scotland joins forces with EMEC and West of Orkney Windfarm to support offshore wind supply chain innovation and development

The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) is pleased to announce Crown Estate Scotland has joined its flagship Offshore Wind Research and Innovation (R&I) Programme as a public sector sponsor.

Crown Estate Scotland’s backing enhances the programme’s capacity to de-risk offshore wind development while embedding economic value within Scottish communities.

Operated by EMEC, the world’s leading test centre for ocean energy, the Offshore Wind R&I Programme aims to accelerate innovation across the offshore wind sector by addressing key technical challenges.

The Programme supports project developers and innovators across the supply chain through targeted innovation calls searching for novel solutions that will enable offshore wind to be delivered faster, cheaper and at lower risk.

By sponsoring innovative projects, the programme aims to help the supply chain bring new solutions to market, build operational capacity and scale up activities.

Crown Estate Scotland plays a critical role in Scotland’s renewable energy transition, supporting the development of offshore wind, tidal and wave energy projects through sustainable management and leasing of the seabed to generate lasting value for the nation and future generations. The organisation is committed to engaging with industry to identify areas of mutual interest to help deliver initiatives crucial to the UK’s net-zero future.

By supporting the Offshore Wind R&I Programme, Crown Estate Scotland will play a pivotal role in accelerating innovation by gaining insight into emerging technologies, shaping future innovation calls and constructively engaging with the supply chain. This involvement will help address sector-wide challenges such as skills development, local content and environmental sustainability, while fostering collaboration and steering innovation in strategically important areas.

Lynsey Shovlin, Offshore Wind Development Manager (Enabling) for Crown Estate Scotland said:

“Innovation is essential to unlocking the full potential of Scotland’s offshore wind resources, and EMEC’s Offshore Wind R&I Programme is helping to ensure that economic and environmental benefits are delivered hand in hand. This is an excellent opportunity for us to support development of the sector and supply chain, in our role as custodians of the seabed, and aligns with our commitment to enabling a fair and sustainable transition to net zero. We’re delighted to be supporting the R&I Programme to help scale up collaborative innovation across Scotland.”

Mark Hamilton, Operations & Technology Director at EMEC, said:

“Bringing Crown Estate Scotland on board as a sponsor of our R&I Programme is a positive step to enhance our ability to foster homegrown innovation and deliver real benefits to Scotland’s offshore wind sector and supply chain. This key collaboration will help build Scotland’s research and innovation capacity and strengthen its role in the global offshore wind industry.

“Project developers and industry leaders are invited to join the Offshore Wind R&I Programme as sponsors. By coming on board, you will help shape the future of offshore wind innovation, tackle sector-wide challenges and accelerate the delivery of sustainable solutions. Additional sponsors will broaden the programme’s remit, enabling larger-scale industry challenges to be addressed and attracting a wider pool of innovators. To find out more about sponsorship opportunities and how you can get involved, please get in touch.”