North East trio get wind in their sails

Three North East energy tech firms have secured funding and support to accelerate offshore wind innovation.

SeaThor, Pulcea and Kinewell will take part in a nine-month programme backed by the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, sharing £600,000 to develop solutions for the sector.

The scheme, part of the Technology, Innovation and Green Growth for Offshore Renewables (TIGGOR) programme, supports pioneering work including SeaThor’s dynamic cable protection system, Pulcea’s noise-reducing bubble curtain for marine life, and Kinewell’s artificial intelligence-led optimisation of floating wind infrastructure.

Each company will benefit from mentorship by major developers Equinor and EDF Renewables as they work to bring their technologies to market.

Magnus Willett, senior project manager in strategy and emerging technologies at the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, said: “It’s fantastic to welcome these three companies to the TIGGOR programme. 

“The programme focuses on key priorities of development for our offshore wind sector, and we are grateful to the North East Combined Authority, and industry heavyweights Equinor and EDF Renewables, for making this vital opportunity possible.”

Funded by the North East Combined Authority, officials say TIGGOR is designed to strengthen the region’s renewable energy supply chain. 

Since its launch in 2020, the programme has supported 14 projects with £3.7 million in research and development funding, creating 33 jobs and 22 apprenticeships and traineeships, which have helped bring 18 new products to market.

Councillor Karen Clark, mayor of North Tyneside and cabinet member for home to the green energy revolution, added: “Supporting the TIGGOR programme is a great way to showcase the wealth of talent and ambition we have in the North East, and what this can bring to the rest of the UK and internationally.”

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