The TWIND project aimed to enhance the scientific and technological expertise in the offshore wind energy sector in Portugal by sharing knowledge with three target groups: senior staff, early-stage researchers, and stakeholders interested in offshore wind. The project was structured around five operational work packages and one work package dealing with ethics requirements, and joint activities were developed to stimulate networking among researchers addressing priority research areas of the SET Plan on Offshore Wind.
During the first period, the project organized the first think-tank meetings, staff-exchanges, and identified early-stage researchers and senior staff. A Stakeholder Engagement Plan was drafted, and an Offshore Wind Supply Chain Matrix was implemented and validated. Relevant stakeholders were approached through conferences, events, and other communication channels. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, some activities were postponed or modified to fit an online format, allowing for a higher level of engagement and in-depth development of the activities.
The second reporting period achieved the project's goal through various initiatives aimed at both junior and senior researchers, including staff exchange programs, short courses, and Think-Tank meetings focused on specialized topics of interest for all partners. Despite not having any offshore wind proposals accepted, WavEC's participation in the project has provided specialized training, know-how, and expertise that have positioned the company as a prominent player in the industry in Portugal.
WavEC's involvement in the development and operation of two offshore renewable energy test sites in Portugal, Aguçadoura, and Viana de Castelo, is a significant milestone. WavEC's participation in the EU-SCORES project and discussions with regulatory entities show their commitment to promoting offshore renewable energy development in Portugal. The creation of a supply chain matrix was a crucial part of the TWIND project, aimed at promoting collaboration and partnership-building among companies and organizations in the offshore wind sector in Portugal.
Overall, the TWIND project has been crucial for the growth and advancement of offshore renewable energy in Portugal, and WavEC's effort, with the help of the TWIND consortium, has provided the company with a competitive advantage in the offshore wind industry, enabling them to offer more services and participate in more projects in the offshore wind sector.