The EU Marinet2 project has awarded new funding amounting to 1.2 million euros to 36 offshore renewable energy developers.

Since 2017, the project has awarded 3.5 million euros worth of free testing to almost 100 users, giving an important boost to wave, tidal and offshore wind projects heading towards commercialisation.

This third round of funding has granted developers over 650 days of testing time, bringing the total time allocated by Marinet2 (www.marinet2.eu) test centres to more than 1,700 days (nearly 250 weeks).

The international nature of the initiative means that projects from 14 EU countries — as well as Australia, Canada, Norway and the USA — have been able to accelerate the development of their technology at several testing facilities around Europe.

Programme co-ordinator Jimmy Murphy said: “I am delighted that in just two years, Marinet2 has been able to offer such a high level of support to so many technology developers.

“Not only is Europe the global frontrunner in ocean and offshore renewables, but our test facilities are also second to none.

"This project embodies the importance of international co-operation in maintaining that position of strength and in pushing forward the development of these innovative technologies.”

Marinet2’s fourth call for funding applications from technology developers will open on 15 August, with a webinar to assist applicants scheduled for early September.