On 14 February 2020, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate has published the so-called ‘MOOI-regeling’ (ministerial order for Mission-Oriented Research, Development and Innovation). Topsector Energy would like to inform you about the possibilities of this subsidy instrument for innovation in the field of circular offshore wind farms and some processes related to the tender under the MOOI-tender.
For offshore wind, the MOOI subsidy tender focuses on subsidizing projects in the middle TRL-range, contributing to cost reduction and optimization, integration in the energy system and integration in the environment. The circularity of offshore wind farms is not a stand-alone theme, but is part of several sub-themes:
- Cost Reduction & optimisation
Longer life span by development knowledge of degradation processes and use of new materials, communication systems and robotisation.
- Balance of Plant optimisation
Development of new monopile technologies (for next-generation large wind turbines), improved transition pieces and environmental friendly end-of–life decommissioning techniques.
- Integration in the environment
Increasing the circularity of wind farms and reduction of CO2 footprint. This also has links with the above mentioned part of theme 1 addressing development, application and processing of new materials. For problems in the field of circularity connection is sought with MMIP 6 and the KIA Circular Economy. Life cycle design includes the societal aspects of the use of raw materials and reuse or processing of residual materials after decommissioning (especially composites are a problem).
Workshop
During a recent workshop with stakeholders, it was concluded that solutions have to be found for the recycling problems with present materials (especially blades) and how to prevent massive future recycling problems as a result of the gigantic increase in installed offshore wind capacity.
The following themes were considered important elements for project proposals for the MOOI-tender:
- Innovative methods for better recycling of existing difficult-to-recycle materials (polyester thermosets) from blades after decommissioning.
- Innovative methods for future circular design and production of blades. This issue encompasses subjects like development of new, circular materials, as well as circular design (possibly modular) and more efficient production methods (automatization instead of manual labour), assembly & logistics, service & maintenance.
- Lifetime extension
- Remanufacturing of components and parts.
- Possibly rare earth materials are also a specific recycling issue.
Priorities for the coming months
Consortium building
- Companies in the offshore wind sector;
- Companies in the composites- and recycling sector;
- Research institutes
Research institutes
The following Dutch research institutes are active in the field of circularity;
- TNO
- TU Delft
- Hogeschool Windesheim
These research institutes are involved in the building of consortia to develop project proposals together with companies. The industrial basis in these consortia still needs to be strengthened.
Companies
In the process of building consortia there is a need for companies representing important parts of the value chain in the offshore wind sector, the composite industry and the recycling industry. Parties are invited to contact the research institutes mentioned above to investigate the possibilities of joining existing initiatives or starting new ones. See below the contact data of these institutes. TKI Wind op Zee offers to help you find industrial partners and RVO will answer questions regarding the content of the ministerial order for the MOOI-tender.
Planning MOOI-tender
First outlines of the project proposal should be submitted to RVO on 18 May 2020 17:00 hours at the latest. An independent advisory committee will advise the consortia about this first outline. Final proposals have to be submitted to RVO on 6 October 2020 17:00 hours at the latest.