The EUR 11 million FORESEA programme has opened its first call for support package applications. Successful applicants will receive free access to test ocean energy technologies in real sea conditions at the projects network of open sea test centres. The programme is funded through Interreg NWE, part of the European Regional Development Fund.

The FORESEA project was launched this month to help enterprises test and demonstrate low carbon energy technologies in real sea environments at the following test infrastructures:

• European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) – Orkney Islands, UK
• SEM-REV - Nantes, France
• SmartBay - Galway, Ireland
• Tidal Testing Centre - Den Oever, Netherlands

The call for applications launched by the consortium is open to parties who wish to deploy their technology for testing before June 2018. Preference will be given to technologies ready for deployment in 2016 and early 2017. The deadline for applications is 18:00 CET, 21 September 2016.

“The test infrastructures on offer through the FORESEA programme are amongst the best in the world and present a great example of European collaboration and cooperation,” says John Breslin, General Manager, SmartBay Ireland, Access Coordinators of the FORESEA programme.

“Moreover, FORESEA provides an important test and validation pathway for ocean energy technology developers in their journey towards commercialisation. We look forward to working with developers through the programme to help them get their technologies into the water to contribute to the growth of the ocean renewables sector,” adds Breslin.

Tags: FORESEA, Interreg NWE