10.4 Million Grant for Renewable Offshore Technology Research

A grant of 10.4 million euros has been awarded for research on renewable offshore technology. The project, known as HybridLabs, aims to revolutionize the deployment of offshore renewable technologies for both electricity and hydrogen production. This research not only addresses the pressing needs of the energy transition but also strengthens the offshore food and ecological transitions. HybridLabs fosters collaboration with universities, research institutes, and a range of societal partners, including industry,  governmental bodies and NGOs, ensuring that knowledge gained from the research is effectively applied and shared. This initiative positions the Dutch knowledge and innovation chain at the forefront of offshore renewable technology. 

TU/e researchers Jeroen Schepers and Rianne Valkenburg from the department Industrial Engineering & Innovation Science and Stefanie Gillmeier, operational wind tunnel manager at the department of the Built Environment, are part of the research consortium led by TU Delft.

Wind Tunnel

The team will leverage a unique nation-wide infrastructure of hybrid experimental facilities, simulators, and offshore demonstration sites, with the Atmospheric Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel at TU/e being one of the labs at which tests will be conducted.

By utilizing new data- and physics-driven approaches, the project aims to accelerate the development and implementation of floating wind energy solutions in the Irish Atlantic Coast—a promising region for renewable energy.

PhD research

Rianne and Jeroen will especially consider the transition of employees to the renewable energy domain, as well as the involvement of consumers / citizens in the energy-, food-, and ecological transitions. Two PhDs will work on these topics from July 2024 onwards.
Stefanie will focus on aerodynamic effects around offshore (floating) wind turbines related to boundary layer roughness, turbulent inflow (grid-generated), and wake flow interactions. One PhD candidate will work on these topics to improve the aerodynamic emulation in the wave-current labs.

They are now scouting for good candidates.
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