The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult and Durham University have signed a memorandum of understanding that will see the two organisations combine to take on some of the offshore wind industry's toughest challenges.
The agreement will provide a framework for increased collaboration between ORE Catapult and the University on a wide range of topics including research and innovation, skills development, and enterprise/business engagement designed to support the region's growth aspirations in renewables.
Although the organisations have worked together for more than a decade through initiatives such as a match-funded PhD programme and numerous valuable offshore wind research projects, it is hoped the MoU will enable closer collaboration and meaningful outputs in applied research.
With Durham University having recently joined the board of the Blyth based Energy Central Campus (ECC), one of the key delivery vehicles of the partnership will be collaborating to develop the ECC, and specifically the Energy Central Institute delivery model. Additionally, the partnership will provide the platform to deliver shared ambitions on social values, transformative education, net zero research topics and economic growth through enterprise support.
Tony Quinn, Director of Technology Development at ORE Catapult, said:
"The emergence of three strategic initiatives in the North East make the strengthening of this relationship particularly timely and exciting. The recent creation of the North East Combined Authority (NECA) and its prioritisation of offshore wind as a key opportunity; the development of the Energy Central Campus in Blyth, where University input on teaching and research will be crucial, and Durham University's major strategic Science Transformation Project (STP) , all ensure that there couldn't be a better time for us to align our focuses."
Dr Shaid Mahmood, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) at Durham University, said:
"After many years of successful joint working, it is wonderful to formalise the collaboration between Durham University and Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult with this MoU. Durham University is a leading centre for energy research. Through our Durham Energy Institute, we bring together a wealth of multidisciplinary research to tackle pressing energy challenges and support inclusive energy transitions.
"We are also committed to helping train the next generation of energy experts with transformative, research-led education and support for initiatives including the Energy Central Campus.
"The formalisation of our collaborative work with ORE Catapult through this MoU is the natural next step for two organisations dedicated to furthering the development of offshore renewable energy sources to aid energy transition."
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:
"Offshore wind holds enormous potential for the North East and the entire country. By leading the transition to net zero, we can create thousands of high-quality jobs, attract investment, and open up new pathways for training, creating opportunity. I'm thrilled to see this partnership between ORE Catapult and Durham University - two globally renowned institutions that have already played a pivotal role in driving innovation and prosperity in our region. This new collaboration reflects our bold ambitions to go even further, turning the North East's wealth of ideas and innovation into the jobs, businesses, and technologies that will shape our future."
Halfdan Brustad, Equinor's VP of UK Renewables, said:
"This partnership is excellent news for North East England's offshore renewable energy sector. Durham University and the ORE Catapult, as leaders in academic research and industry expertise, can help to develop the sector, whilst nurturing the talent needed to ensure the North East's continued leadership in this field. Equinor is proud to already be working with the ORE Catapult and Durham University to support research and development in the offshore wind industry."
The agreement was signed by both parties during a signing ceremony in the 100m Blade Test Facility at ORE Catapult's National Renewable Energy Centre in Blyth, Northumberland.
Contact
Pamela Bailey
PR Manager
pamela.bailey@ore.catapult.org.uk
