The European Space Agency (ESA) has inked a memorandum of understanding with Scottish renewables industrial development body the Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) to explore how technologies designed for applications in outer space might be used in clean-energy sectors, starting with offshore wind.

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Among the first areas to be investigated in what AREG said was a “developing model” is the role of satellite-based navigation and communication services in supporting decommissioning wind farms as well as on other operational assets offshore.

“ESA is strongly positioned to support the implementation of innovative services relying on space assets to support the renewable sector in Europe and beyond,” said Rita Rinaldo, head of the thematic initiatives department at ESA Space Solutions.

“This cooperation with AREG will allow us to further develop initiatives in support to green transition and create new opportunities for sustainable services.”

AREC chair Jean Morrison said: “This agreement with ESA will look at the innovative technologies being developed for space activities and how we can use these learning and innovations to accelerate the development of renewable projects.

“We expect that collaborating with organisations such as ESA will bring fresh ideas and initiatives for our members as we continue to champion the energy supply chain to enable the transition to low carbon to achieve net zero emissions.”