Scotland has launched a £15 million fund to support innovation in the development of offshore wind turbine foundations. The Scottish Innovative Foundation Technologies Fund will encourage the development of prototype foundations for water depths greater than 30 metres.
Foundation technology is currently the second largest cost associated with projects of this type, accounting for 16 percent of total offshore wind project costs. It is estimated that innovation in this area could produce a 9 percent saving, helping to encourage further growth in the industry. The fund will support the development of prototypes from 2014-17. The Scottish Innovative Foundation Technologies Fund will be managed by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands & Islands Enterprise on behalf of the Scottish Government.
