Researchers at MaREI/ERI, the SFI Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine have been awarded €4.2m for a project that aims to unlock the potential for floating offshore wind in Irish coastal waters. 

Floating Wind Testbed integrated with Energy System Observatory (FLOWT-EOB) is led by Dr Jimmy Murphy, School of Engineering and Architecture and colleagues at MaREI/ERI. The project aims to provide an infrastructure that would be unique worldwide for addressing knowledge gaps and optimising energy utilisation. The primary component of FLOWT-EOB will be a 200kW floating wind platform, deployed in Cork Harbour.

The project is funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

Margie McCarthy, SEAI Director of Research and Policy Insights, said:

 “SEAI is delighted to collaborate with SFI supporting Irish energy RD&D, co-funding this exciting demonstration infrastructure in Cork Harbour. We expect this particular project to unlock the significant potential for floating offshore wind in Irish coastal waters. Trial infrastructure and gathering delivery knowledge are key to achieving government ambitions in this sector and ultimately accelerating Ireland’s clean energy transition.”

The funding is part of a €21 million investment in eight research infrastructure projects through the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Research Infrastructure programme.