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Large white wind turbines in the sea under a blue sky with fluffy white clouds

We’re supporting the creation of a new research centre to advance cutting edge solutions to offshore wind challenges and drive the UK’s transition to Net Zero.

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Offshore Wind Energy Sustainability and Resilience will be led by the University of Hull’s Energy and Environment Institute.

It involves Durham, Loughborough and Sheffield universities and will provide opportunities for at least 65 post-graduate doctoral students over the next five years.

The Centre will combine the research power of each partner institution, drawing on academic strengths in engineering, environmental science, AI and human factors.

The aim is to develop a diverse range of future leaders for the sustainable energy sector, focused on maximising the potential of offshore wind.

It will also deepen understanding of key issues to support the development of the offshore wind sector.

This includes its environmental impact, the economics and development of new supply chains, the growing use of automation and how to integrate the offshore grid into the network.

Multi-million pound funding

The UK government has today, Tuesday 12 March, announced £5.8million in funding for the new Centre.

It is part of the biggest-ever investment in engineering and physical sciences doctoral skills in the UK, totalling more than £1billion.

The Centre will receive an additional investment of over £12million from national, international and university partners, investing in regional talent and skills and research excellence.

More than 40 offshore wind industry bodies have pledged their support, including match funding for up to 30 doctoral studentships that will be co-funded by industry sponsors.

We're also partners in other Centres for Doctoral Training that have received government funding today including Fusion CDT and ReNU+.

Find out more