The OWA has launched an Invitation to Tender for companies, academics and consortia to study the potential of novel LiDAR systems for offshore applications. 

Novel Ground Based LIDARs (GBL) are being developed by innovators around the world. These employ novel configurations (e.g. operating principle, probe length/volume, number of beams, opening angle, etc.) to improve various performance metrics and/or reduce costs. While advances in wind lidar technology and the increased number of suppliers are welcomed, the industry doesn’t yet fully understand the trade-offs compared to current state-of-the-art technology. It is also not yet clear to what extent they are suitable for buoy-mounted use offshore.

This project aims to develop a better understanding of the capabilities, potential benefits and risks of new lidar technologies, to support their continued development and adoption. This in turn should enable offshore wind farm developers to reduce uncertainties in wind resource assessment, reduce measurement costs, improve capture of secondary variables such as turbulence or achieve other tangible benefits.

The deadline for clarification questions is 11 April.

The closing date to receive tender submissions is 2 May at 2pm.

All clarification questions and tender submissions should be sent electronically, by their respective deadlines to tom.wishart@carbontrust.com.