Quoceant's Q-Connect secures OWGP funding

Quoceant have become one of seven companies to share £1m of funding from the Offshore Wind Growth Partnerships Innovation Funding competition. The funding will be used to further progress the Q-Connect quick connection technology for application to floating or deeper water offshore wind.

The funding call from the OWGP was designed to support priorities set out in the Industrial Growth Plan and benefited from insights from their Industry Champions; Equinor and SSE. The OWGP is an independent, not-for-profit organisation working closely with industry to strengthen the UK’s offshore wind supply chain and boost its global competitiveness.

Tom Speedie, Project Manager at the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership, said:

"These awards reflect OWGP's commitment to backing the technologies and businesses that can strengthen the UK's offshore wind supply chain for the long term.

The quality and ambition of the applications we received demonstrate the depth of ingenuity across the supply chain - now it’s time to bring those innovative ideas to life.

We’re excited to support these companies as they take their next steps towards commercialisation. As these businesses grow, so too does the opportunity to create skilled jobs, attract investment and deliver economic benefits in the communities where they are based.”

Speaking about the award, Beth Dickens, Quoceant Director and Project Manager said:

"The funding from the OWGP will be used to build and test our Q-Connect technology at the scale needed for offshore wind. Imagine having to wire every appliance you had into your wall in your house. Imagine the hassle every time you wanted to change your kettle or get a new TV... That's the current reality for offshore wind turbines - hard wired into the subsea electrical cables. Think what a difference a simple plug and socket makes to you in your home - that's what Q-Connect is for Offshore Wind turbines.

At 66kV instead of 240V, and with a fibre optic comms link too, Q-Connect is quite a lot bigger than a domestic plug, but it's ability to connect underwater, alongside its innovative alignment and latching system that means that the connection process is completely hands free, makes it a must have for offshore wind. It saves time offshore, makes offshore construction simpler and cheaper, and delivers massive offshore safety improvements. Put simply, it is a key enabling technology for Offshore Wind."

If you would like to know more about the Q-Connect technology please get in touch.