New technology to ensure future windfarms will not affect the UK’s Air Defence radar system will be developed as part of a £2-million innovation competition launched today, a move which could pave the way for a significant boost to the UK’s renewable energy growth.

Proposals for innovative solutions and advances in technology that alleviates the impact off-shore wind turbines could have on military and civilian radar systems are being sought by the Ministry of Defence’s innovation hub, the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA).

DASA is leading the work on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the Royal Air Force, and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).

Defence Minister Jeremy Quin said:

Defence technologies have a huge amount to offer the demands of the 21st century UK - including addressing the challenge of climate change.

We have an incredible skills base in the UK and this initiative will harness the power of wind turbines whilst ensuring our air defence standards.

Wg Cdr Helena Ramsden, Air Capability Development, RAF Air Command, said:

We are investing in cutting-edge innovation and harnessing the best technology from the brightest minds in the country.

This competition demonstrates our commitment to keeping the skies above the UK safe from aerial threats whilst accelerating crucial work to allow the nation to do more to combat climate change.

Adam Moore, DASA delivery manager, said:

Crucial innovation like this is vital if we are to meet our renewable energy targets.

This competition will not only help us meet our green energy needs but it will help boost UK prosperity, entrepreneurs and innovators by investing in their game-changing technology.

DASA is proud to be working closely with BEIS, the RAF and Dstl to lead this important work which could transform the UK’s approach to offshore wind power generation.

This builds on the Offshore Wind Sector Deal, published by the Government in March 2019.

In the deal the government committed to work with the sector and wider stakeholders, setting out that we could see up to 30GW of offshore wind by 2030 (expected to represent around 30% of the UK’s electricity need), with a manifesto commitment to increase this to 40GW by 2030.

The deal also set out industry targets of supporting 27,000 jobs and £2.4-billion per annum of exports by 2030.

Multiple proposals are expected to be funded with up to £2-million available in total from the BEIS Energy Innovation Programme.

Please read more for the full details and scope of the Windfarm Mitigation for UK Air Defence competition.

Notes to Editors

Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA)

DASA, the Ministry of Defence’s innovation hub, finds and funds exploitable technology to give Her Majesty’s Armed Forces and UK security a strategic advantage over adversaries while supporting the nation’s prosperity. DASA works with scientists from Dstl, academia, and industry to rapidly develop these new technologies.

BEIS Energy Innovation Programme

The funding forms part of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s £505-million Energy Innovation Programme, which is dedicated to harnessing and rolling out cutting edge technology to fight climate change.