EMEC pushes for Franco-Scottish floating wind and hydrogen collaboration

The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) has delivered a report with recommendations to facilitate research collaborations between Scottish and French floating wind and hydrogen organisations.

EMEC produced the report in partnership with French engineering firm INNOSEA and London-based The Renewables Consulting Group (RCG), part of ERM.

It was published by The Scottish government.

The report explores the technical innovation status of both floating wind and hydrogen supply chains in Scotland and in France.

Floating wind and hydrogen technologies are seen as integral to energy decarbonisation strategies in both countries due to shared geographical characteristics and energy system contexts. It suggests that there are opportunities for growth and for Franco-Scottish collaboration in these sectors.

The report identifies shared technical and innovation challenges in the supply chain. Those include the need to develop port infrastructure and offshore working practices, and further research and development in materials and components for both floating wind and hydrogen systems.

The report also presents opportunities and research needs associated with the integration of floating offshore wind and hydrogen systems in the future.

Research conducted for the report was supported by direct engagement with supply chain stakeholders in both Scotland and France, including technology providers, infrastructure operators, project developers, policymakers, academics, and enterprise agencies.

Stakeholders took part in a series of online workshops, interviews, and questionnaires, where they shared views on continuing research needs for hydrogen and floating wind technologies.

The report recommends that the Scottish Government seek to facilitate knowledge exchange and relationship-building activities between Scotland and organisations in those regions. Establishing a research and development platform involving organisations in Scotland, Brittany and Occitanie is a further recommendation.

Dan Kyle Spearman, associate director and floating wind lead at RCG, said: “Hydrogen from floating wind will be a key vector for deep decarbonisation of industries globally. In our report, we’ve outlined recommendations on how Franco-Scottish partnerships can be leveraged to accelerate the commercialisation of these technologies.”

The full report is available here.