LiR NOTF test center opens doors for offshore renewable energy trials

Applications have been invited for the laboratory testing of offshore renewable energy (ORE) technologies or marine enterprises to capture any innovation intended for marine use that reduces energy use and energy production, as part of the joint program between Lir NOTF and SEAI.

The eligible technologies for this call include wave, wind, tidal and floating solar, according to Lir NOTF.

Successful applicants must be able to provide a physical model for testing and will be given free access to a number of facilities in Lir-NOTF, including deep ocean basin, ocean basin, wave and current flume, wave watch flume, and electrical laboratory/energy laboratory.

The call remains open until June 30, 2023, and all applicants are instructed to directly contact Lir NOTF’s technical coordinator, Ian Power, in advance of submitting an application.

Lir NOTF is Ireland’s primary facility for testing and development of offshore technologies and has a long track record in supporting ORE technologies through early stage TRL development.

While fixed offshore wind technologies are commercially advanced, many ORE technologies that are required for deeper water and more aggressive environments are still in early stages of development.

These technology developers usually consist of individuals, SMEs and academics who generally do not have the financial resources and expertise to determine the feasibility of their concept and require support.

As a result, SEAI and Lir NOTF have teamed up to offer this program which will provide free to access the to the facilities of Lir-NOTF to Irish ORE developers.

This access program to the Lir-NOTF is designed to enable the testing and progression of ORE technologies through the early development stages in advance of open sea testing. 

Read more here.