The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) has announced Phase 2 of the Windfarm Mitigation for UK Air Defence competition. They will invest up to £3.6 million in innovations that permit the coexistence of offshore windfarms and UK air defence surveillance systems.
Background
Offshore wind is a key feature of the UK’s net zero future. In the 2019 ‘Net Zero’ legislation, the Committee on Climate Change predicted a requirement for at least 75GW of electricity from offshore wind by 2050 (Source: DASA). To achieve this, there will need to be a ten-fold increase in the UK’s current offshore windfarm generation capacity. However, this has the potential to negatively impact military air defence – thus, DASA is seeking innovations to make co-existence possible.
Eligibility
Applicants should recognise that this is the second phase of a multi-phase competition. While you don’t have to have been involved in Phase 1 to apply, you should be aware of the successful projects from the previous competition. In contrast to Phase 1, Phase 2 projects will reach a higher level of maturity. Individual proposals should not exceed £600k and, if successful, all work should be completed by 28th February 2023.
Scope
Proposals should address the challenge of maintaining the effective surveillance of airspace, despite the presence of larger windfarms. DASA is interested in alternative technologies that could fulfill one or more of the following objectives:
- Reduce radar clutter caused by offshore windfarms
- Ensure intruder detection in the vicinity of offshore windfarms
- Fill or remove gaps in radar coverage created by windfarms
Projects may involve some of the following components: alternative turbine materials; shaping of turbine materials; next generation or novel signal processing techniques; alternative technologies or combinations of these that would maintain the effective surveillance of airspace. In addition, the competition document contains a list of projects that DASA will not fund, including those that deliver technologies below TRL 4.
You can find more information in the competition document or contact us if you have any further questions. If this isn’t the opportunity you’re looking for, subscribe to our free monthly newsletter in order to receive the latest funding competitions direct to your inbox!
