As the world’s leading wind energy operator, Iberdrola has been pioneering renewable energy technologies for over 20 years. Given the current growth in the offshore wind energy market, Iberdrola is well-positioned as a global leader. In this context, it is launching the Autonomous Underwater Offshore Inspections Startup Challenge.
Offshore wind energy has become a key growth driver for Iberdrola, with current operational marine assets of 1.26 GW and an additional portfolio of 9.6 GW under development or construction. These assets are expected to be operational by 2027, supported by a global investment of EUR 30 billion.
Context: Iberdrola Autonomous Underwater Offshore Inspections
Marine environments can be harsh, with extreme weather conditions. Iberdrola is looking for solutions capable of withstanding these conditions to optimize maintenance inspections. It aims to reduce maintenance costs, time, and risks for employees.
Through its startup program PERSEO, Iberdrola is launching this challenge to find fully autonomous or remotely operated solutions that optimize the underwater inspections of its various offshore assets.
Focus Areas: Iberdrola Autonomous Underwater Offshore Inspections
The focus is primarily, though not exclusively, on detecting anomalies and failures in foundation elements and seabed anchoring of its offshore assets. Additionally, subsea cable inspection solutions will also be considered. Your proposals should actively address one of the following areas:
- Fully autonomous vehicles or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).
- Subsea component inspection systems for turbines and substations (jackets, foundations, underwater cables, etc.).
- Image or video capture and condition scanning solutions with data analysis (comprehensive inspection packages that include 3D modeling or digital twin solutions).
- Preventive maintenance and on-site repair where possible or necessary.
- Cathodic Protection such as the voltage of the structure to ensure the anodes are still protecting the structure from corrosion. Measurements/reading capabilities included.
- Cleaning of marine growth capability included.
- Thickness measurement capability included, for example, marine growth or grout levels using a ruler probe.
- Flooded Member Detection (FMD) capability included (or suitable alternative techniques).
Iberdrola is also interested in solutions that address the challenge even if not mentioned in the examples above.
The Prize: Iberdrola Autonomous Underwater Offshore Inspections
Winning this Challenge will award you with signing a collaboration agreement to develop a Proof-of-Concept (PoC). Additionally, PERSEO covers the costs of the pilot activities and provides you with the necessary technical support.
Finally, PERSEO may consider investing in your solution.
The winner of the challenge will sign a partnership contract with Iberdrola and/or PERSEO and will be able to test their solution in a real environment. For the collaboration of the pilot project, Iberdrola will:
- Assume the costs of the collaboration and the proof of concept.
- Provide the necessary technical support to test the solution proposed.
- Give access to equipment, appliances, infrastructure, high technology sites, and joint work areas.
- Provide a real environment and real data to test the solution.
The project will be developed in collaboration with technical specialists from Iberdrola Renewables & Iberdrola Offshore business areas.
Key Dates & Timeline: Iberdrola Autonomous Underwater Offshore Inspections
Applications are now open! Start your application here.
- Application Deadline: 21st May 2024
- Winner Announcement: July 2024
- Pilot Project Begins: 2024
How Will Your Application be Evaluated?
While evaluating your proposals, Iberdrola will consider the following value propositions, among others:
- The maturity, reliability, and durability of the solution
- Investment and operational costs
- Autonomy
- Minimum working hours
- Ease of implementation, use, and minimal training
- Continuity in power generation
- HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) standards
The applications will evaluated by experts from Iberdrola Renewables & Offshore areas.
Send in Your Applications Today & Collaborate with Innovation Experts
Iberdrola is no stranger to working with startups and emerging companies – since 2018, the Group has launched over 80 pilot projects with startups to address pressing issues in today’s energy networks.
Iberdrola’s startup program – PERSEO – facilitates the group’s access to the technologies of the future while fostering the development of a global ecosystem of startups in the electricity sector—with a focus on sustainability. Iberdrola has allocated EUR 200 million for this purpose, invested through its portfolio of investments in startups, its PERSEO Venture Builder unit, pilot projects, the launch of the Iberdrola Startup Challenges, and the Andromeda fund for investments in sustainable technologies.
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