By Prof Lars Johanning, Associate Head of School (Research) and Professor of Ocean Technology, University of Plymouth
University of Plymouth is proud to be a partner in the exciting WEDUSEA collaboration. The project is set to create a step change in wave energy, opening the way to commercialisation of the technology.
The approach and mission of WEDUSEA is in close alignment with the principles, values and ambitions of University of Plymouth. University of Plymouth is advancing sustainable use of the marine environment through a systems-thinking approach to research and innovation.
The University is home to one of the largest marine and maritime portfolios in Europe and has a strong reputation for conducting world-class, transdisciplinary research. The University’s researchers collaborate with partners to develop and implement positive interventions in response to global challenges, while also training the next generation of scientists and business leaders.
The Centre for Decarbonisation and Offshore Renewable Energy (C-DORE) brings together a critical mass of leading research and expertise from across the University of Plymouth. Through co-creation and collaboration with partners from business, government and key communities from across the globe, it aims to be a beacon for the University’s whole-system transdisciplinary approach to solutions-oriented research, accelerating sustainable developments in decarbonisation and renewable energy..https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/centre-for-decarbonisation-and-offshore-renewable-energy
University of Plymouth also has a long track record of successful collaborations with the private sector, working closely with businesses, innovators and entrepreneurs. One of the defining characteristics of WEDUSEA is that it is harnessing the joint power of both leading academic researchers and industry experts. This is a winning combination.
So we are immensely pleased that the University is able to play a part in progressing the WEDUSEA project.
Our role in the WEDUSEA project
As a large and complex project, WEDUSEA has allocated specific areas of activity to individual partners. University of Plymouth is supporting two elements of the project – the Project Dissemination and Mooring activities.
A commitment to comprehensive dissemination of project learnings and achievements is at the heart of all projects supported by Horizon Europe. This also aligns with our overarching approach here at University of Plymouth. It is through dissemination and sharing knowledge that sustainable solutions can be found to global problems.
So we will work through all dissemination channels to make sure that WEDUSEA builds project awareness and communicates its results. In so doing, we will build on the excellent communication frameworks already established by University of Exeter which was responsible for the initial marketing launch of the project and the development of the WEDUSEA website.
In addition to Dissemination, University of Plymouth is working to progress the Mooring element of the WEDUSEA project. On this, we are working in partnership with Ocean Energy on procurement of the mooring system.
We are also working closely with Ocean Energy and University College Cork on the all-important data collection related to the mooring system as well as supporting the analysis and validation of the mooring system.
So in summary, WEDUSEA is a complex and far-reaching project, with multiple work streams. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring our expertise to the collaboration and we are committed to helping to deliver a successful dissemination and a successful mooring system.
We believe WEDUSEA is poised to be a pivotal European project that will change the trajectory of wave energy development, opening new horizons and possibilities. For University of Plymouth, this is a flagship project and we are looking forward to sharing further news with our audiences, as it unfolds.
