Costain JV secures DECC funding to develop offshore wind turbines technology

The Technology Strategy Board will make these funds available from its Offshore Wind Components Technologies Scheme.

The joint venture company Gravitas Offshore will demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of the technology and develop reliable standards for concrete offshore wind foundations.

Commenting on the funding UK energy and climate change minister Greg Barker said, "This investment from DECC will help GRAVITAS Offshore Ltd develop and demonstrate the benefits of its innovative turbine foundation design, cutting costs for offshore wind and helping it enter the growing green market place.

Costain director of renewables Colin Duff added, " "The endorsement of our solution by DECC is an excellent result for the team as offshore wind is a cornerstone of the UK energy market reform.

"The UK renewable energy roadmap indicates a central range of up to 18GW for the deployment of offshore wind by 2020 and our solution will be instrumental in meeting these aspirations."

The company expects to construct a demonstrator foundation for deployment in UK waters within two years.