News

The Universities of Edinburgh and Dundee, in collaboration with Forth & Tay Offshore, have officially launched a £2.5 million UKRI-funded innovation programme designed to drive advancements in Scotland’s offshore wind sector. The launch event, held on 29 and 30 May at the stunning Edinburgh Futures Institute, brought together academia, industry leaders, and policymakers to foster collaboration and accelerate innovation.

The two-day event kicked off on 29 May with an academic roundtable, where university partners and expert researchers gathered to explore potential projects and discuss meaningful ways to engage with industry. This was followed by an exclusive industry engagement dinner, where selected partners were introduced to the funding programme through a concise presentation, leading to valuable networking and productive discussions.

The formal industry launch on 30 May attracted around 70 attendees, offering organisations key insights into the programme’s objectives and opportunities. Academic leads presented the initiative’s vision, outlining how businesses can participate and benefit. A highlight of the event was the showcase of existing collaborations between universities and offshore wind sector stakeholders, demonstrating the power of research-driven industry partnerships.

Discussions underscored significant potential for the offshore wind supply chain, particularly for businesses based in the Forth and Tay region or those actively partnering with local industry. The networking segment of the event helped strengthen connections, facilitating engagement across key stakeholders.

In the afternoon, guests toured the FloWave facility, immersing themselves in its state-of-the-art wave and current simulation technologies. The guided visit provided first-hand insights into the groundbreaking research being conducted by the Universities of Edinburgh and Dundee, highlighting the practical applications of academic expertise in advancing offshore wind capabilities.

Professor Alasdair McDonald, Chair in Renewable Technologies at the University of Edinburgh, emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative, stating: “Our official launch of the funding programme marks a significant step in strengthening Scotland’s offshore wind sector through place-based innovation, industry collaboration, and targeted funding support.”

Professor Michael Brown from the University of Dundee’s School of Science and Engineering, said: “The industrial engagement at our launch event was very encouraging and it was clear that challenges lie ahead for the offshore wind sector in the East of Scotland, however the collaborative approach of the PBIAA is well placed to help deliver those ambitious plans.”

With momentum building and strong engagement from key stakeholders, the UKRI-funded Place-Based Impact Accelerator programme is poised to drive meaningful progress in offshore wind innovation, fostering sustainable growth and long-term impact across Scotland’s renewables sector.