The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) and partners have delivered a report outlining a series of recommendations for the Scottish Government.
The report aims to facilitate research collaborations between Scottish and French organisations working in floating wind and hydrogen.
Published by The Scottish Government, the report produced by EMEC in partnership with French engineering firm INNOSEA and London-based The Renewables Consulting Group (RCG), part of ERM, explores the technical innovation status of both floating wind and hydrogen supply chains in Scotland and in France.
This study was motivated by the recognition of shared priorities in Scotland and in France. Floating wind and hydrogen technologies are integral to evolving energy decarbonisation strategies in both countries due to shared geographical characteristics and energy system contexts, suggesting that there are opportunities both for growth, and specifically for Franco-Scottish collaboration in these sectors.
The report identifies shared technical and innovation challenges in the supply chain, including the need to develop port infrastructure and offshore working practices, as well as further research and development in materials and components for both floating wind and hydrogen systems. Opportunities and research needs associated with the integration of floating offshore wind and hydrogen systems in the future are also laid out in the report, noting that it is currently unclear whether hydrogen production facilities would best be located on or offshore if powered by floating wind.
Research conducted for the report was bolstered by direct engagement with supply chain stakeholders in both Scotland and France.
By Jake Frith
