The fourth call for the EU-funded MaRINET2 project, which offers free access to a world-leading network of testing and research infrastructures, has opened today and will last until September 30, 2019.
The call is open to offshore energy technology developers, including offshore wind, wave and tidal energy at system and component level.
MaRINET2 is a €10.5 million Horizon 2020 funded project which supports offshore renewable energy R&D activities. It provides free-of-charge access to a network of 57 research facilities across Europe, through a series of competitive calls.
The first three MaRINET2 calls awarded €3.5 million in free testing access to almost 100 users. The fourth call will facilitate access to testing and research facilities for a new group of offshore renewable energy technology developers.
The project’s objective is to accelerate the progress of the European offshore renewables sector towards full-scale industrialization.
MaRINET2 project coordinator, Dr Jimmy Murphy , University College Cork said: “The success of the first three MaRINET2 calls demonstrates the need for a collaborative, transnational approach to the testing and development of offshore renewables. Nearly 100 projects have already benefited from access to test centres so far, and we are confident that this support is a driving force in the advancement of the technology in Europe.”
Christophe Maisondieu , MaRINET2 access coordinator, Ifremer added: “Each of the MaRINET2 facilities has something to offer technology developers looking to take their devices or components to the next level. The strength of this project is the broad range of expertise and equipment on offer, and the opportunity to learn from partners in other countries.”
An open call for virtual access to data sets and a free-of-charge training programme are also available through the project.