Newcastle College launches iHR offshore wind training facility

Level 3 Subsea & Renewables student Jess Wingrove experiences the iHR training facility.

The world's most advanced Immersive Hybrid Reality (iHR) offshore wind training facility has been installed at Newcastle College's Energy Academy to help train future engineers and technicians.

The immersive system replicates working conditions experienced on offshore wind farms and allows users to virtually find and diagnose faults, helping to develop the vital skills needed to work in the wind industry. The innovative technology will allow Newcastle College to support the region’s growing energy sector as part of the UK’s aim to create 27,000 skilled jobs in the industry by 2030. 

The system was one of the highlights of the Innovation Trail at 2018's Great Exhibition of the North. Future engineers at the Energy Academy will start training with the new system immediately, giving a unique edge to their future employability in the sector.

Battery innovation boost for NE firm

Connected Energy's E-STOR battery system.

An innovative north-east energy firm has received a boost from a new support programme design to develop grid-related technology.

Newcastle-based Connected Energy received specialist input from grid gurus Narec Distributed Energy to develop its E-STOR battery system. That support came as part of the Grid Connection Support Series, a Catapult programme that helps businesses grow and innovate across grid-related products and services.

With more renewable energy power entering the grid, combined with the phasing out of old generators, companies with technologies that meet the latest standards are better prepared for the complex requirements of the modern grid. Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the free-to-access Grid Connection Support Series will run until 2020, providing masterclasses, innovation challenges and direct business support to better prepare the UK supply chain for future grid connection challenges.

"Help from the Grid Connection Support Series was invaluable," said Connected Energy's William Hair. "It has allowed us to access world-leading knowledge... which ensures our products comply with all of the latest regulations as the UK electricity grid transitions from G59 to G99."

Hear from infrastructure experts at Future of Energy Systems Masterclass 

The Catapult's Future of Energy Systems Masterclass series kicks off in Newcastle next week, giving SMEs the chance to explore the big issues facing energy infrastructure in the coming years.

Part of the Grid Connection Support Series, the Masterclass – which features top industry speakers from the Catapult, WSP and Connected Energy – will outline what the global energy transition means for small firms developing new energy infrastructure technologies. 

Attendees will have the chance to investigate opportunities related to the development of technology that has the potential to support a more resilient, cleaner and affordable energy system, while receiving insights from an outstanding panel of tech developers and consultants.

Catapult signs CWind agreement to drive offshore innovation

CWind, part of the Global Marine Group (GMG), a leading provider of topside, splash zone and subsea engineering services to the offshore renewables and utilities market, has signed a collaboration agreement with the Catapult.

The agreement will see the Catapult and CWind work in collaboration to develop solutions for the UK's biggest offshore renewables challenges.

"CWind is committed to innovation and driving positive change to support the future growth of the UK offshore wind industry," said Ian Bryan, CWind's interim Managing Director. "Our values are matched closely with those of ORE Catapult and we look forward to achieving success for mutual and industry benefit."

Guide to an Offshore Wind Farm updated to help businesses access UK market

The Guide helps companies develop a greater understanding of the components and processes involved in the development of offshore wind farms, supporting supply chain development and highlighting ways in which businesses can seize opportunities from the growing sector.

First published in 2010, the guide has been updated to include a focus on operations, maintenance, service activities, decommissioning, floating wind and emerging technologies in data, digital and robotics and autonomous systems.

 Is your organisation Fit for Offshore Renewables?

Applications for the Fit for Offshore Renewables pilot programme are open until March 2019. 

Applications for the Catapult's Fit for Offshore Renewables pilot programme are still open and companies across Scotland are invited to submit their entries.
 

Fit for Offshore Renewables (F4OR) is a unique service helping the UK supply chain get ready to bid for work in the growing offshore renewable energy sector. Based on the successful Fit for Nuclear programme, the Catapult is working with industry to increase business competitiveness, supporting continued cost reduction in the sector while securing long-term economic benefits.

It opens the door for increased growth, more sales, and higher revenue. By embarking on this 12-18-month journey of business improvement, companies have the chance to join industry leaders in demonstrating their readiness and suitability for providing quality services to the sector. F4OR has already received dedicated support from large Scottish offshore wind projects such as Inch Cape, Moray West, Moray East and Seagreen, to ensure the programme continues to meet industry supply chain requirements.