Accredited offshore testing network driving renewable energy uptake at sea
Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B North West EuropeDescription
Joint pilot actions (7) executed at 4 offshore test sites in FR, BE, NL & DE utilizing harmonized testing protocols(EN)
A network of offshore test sites and service providers that provide accredited testing services at sea.(EN)
Participation in online training courses by test site users, key stakeholders and students(EN)
Website: http://offshoreproof.nweurope.eu
Thematic information
Priority:
(VI-B_NWE_4) Improving territorial resilience in NWE through innovative and smart transformationPriority specific objective:
RSO1.1. Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologiesPriority policy objective (Interreg specific objective):
PO1 A more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivityType of intervention:
010 Research and innovation activities in SMEs, including networkingPartners (7)
Lead Partner: Campus@Sea
PIC (Participant Identification Code): 873781433
Partner’s ID if not PIC: NL864809852B01
Address: Hellingweg, 2583 DZ Den Haag, Netherlands
Legal status: public
Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider
Website: http://www.campusatsea.nl
Total budget: EUR 791 500.00
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 474 900.00
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 316 600.00
GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20
Contractors:
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Name: Bannink
VAT registration or tax identification number: NL 8119 48 730 B 01 -
Name: Bluespring BV
VAT registration or tax identification number: NL856244569B01 -
Name: Smabers-Luijk Marketing
VAT registration or tax identification number: NL149384245B01 -
Name: Schretlen Management Consult.
VAT registration or tax identification number: NL803555398B02
- Deftiq BV
-
Name: Deftiq BV
PIC (Participant Identification Code): 869922773
Partner’s ID if not PIC: NL868318164B01
Address: Hofplein, 3032 AC Rotterdam, Netherlands
Legal status: public
Organisation type: Education/training centre and school
Website: http://www.deftiq.com
Total budget: EUR 476 280.00
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 285 768.00
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 190 512.00
GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20
- Fraunhofer IFAM
-
Name: Fraunhofer IFAM
Department: Department for Business Development
PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999984059
Partner’s ID if not PIC: DE129515865
Address: Wiener Strasse, 28359 Bremen, Germany
Department address: Hafenstrasse, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
Legal status: private
Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations
Website (not verified): http://www.fraunhofer.ifam.de
Total budget: EUR 274 250.97
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 164 550.58
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 109 700.39
GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20
- Fondation OPEN-C
-
Name: Fondation OPEN-C
PIC (Participant Identification Code): 882262046
Partner’s ID if not PIC: FR47923395909
Address: Rue de la Noé, 44300 Nantes, France
Legal status: private
Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations
Website (not verified): http://www.fondation-open-c.org
Total budget: EUR 746 184.56
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 447 710.73
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 298 473.83
GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20
- Universiteit Gent
-
Name: Universiteit Gent
Department: BLUEGent – Innovations in Aquaculture & Blue Life Sciences
PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999986096
Partner’s ID if not PIC: BE 0248.015.142 | 0248.015.142 | Statutory registration number (EN)
Address: Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat, 9000 Gent, Belgium
Department address: Wetenschapspark, 8400 Ostend, Belgium
Legal status: public
Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations
Website: https://bluegent.ugent.be/
Total budget: EUR 728 000.00
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 436 800.00
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 291 200.00
- Provinciaalse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij West-Vlaanderen
-
Name: Provinciaalse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij West-Vlaanderen
Department: Blue Accelerator
PIC (Participant Identification Code): 911960827
Partner’s ID if not PIC: BE0881702779
Address: Koning Leopold III-laan, 8200 Brugge, Belgium
Department address: Wetenschapspark, 8400 Oostende, Belgium
Legal status: public
Organisation type: Regional public authority
Website: https://www.blueaccelerator.be/
Total budget: EUR 498 338.22
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 299 002.93
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 199 335.29
GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20
- Stichting Noordzeeboerderij
-
Name: Stichting Noordzeeboerderij
Department: Offshore Test Site
PIC (Participant Identification Code): 921577892
Partner’s ID if not PIC: NL851293931B01
Address: Zeestraat, 2518 AD The Hague, Netherlands
Department address: Zeestraat, 2518 AD The Hague, Netherlands
Legal status: public
Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider
Website: http://www.northseafarmers.org
Total budget: EUR 675 080.00
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 405 048.00
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 270 032.00
GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20
Partners map
Accredited offshore testing network driving renewable energy uptake at sea
Lead partner
Project partner
Summary
Project acronym: OFFSHORE PROOF
Project ID: NWE0400460
Project start date: 2025-01-01
Project end date: 2028-12-31
Project status:
ongoingRelevant linked projects:
- Finesse, UGent, under evaluation by VLAIO [B] (EN) | Synergy around the theme of Social Cost benefit Analysis of offshore renewables. Project aims to develop new financing methods of nature based measures for coastal protection & offshore wind projects. Framework for Social Cost Benefit Analysis can be used in our project, as well ideas for new financing (EN), MARINERG-i
- Aims to create an integrated European Distributed Research Infrastructure (DRI) in Europe, for delivering Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) technologies to the market. Focus is mainly on controlled testing at laboratories. UG is a partner in Marinergy-I. [IRE] (EN) | MARINERG-i focuses on building a European network of ORE tests facilities and building a Distributed Research Infrastructure (DRI) in Europe, while Offshore Proof focuses on real-world offshore testing at accredited facilities as part of certification.
- Test laboratories, such as tow and wave tanks, may already carry accreditations, such as ISO 17025 or IATC, which specifies the general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.
- Together, they create a seamless network for comprehensive technology validation, from lab to field. Collaborating on legal frameworks, sharing knowledge, and aligning testing processes enhance efficiency and accelerate technology adoption, supporting a unified approach to offshore renewable energy innovation. (EN), International WaTERS (Wave and Tidal Energy Research Sites) network.
- The network includes open-sea test centers from over 20 countries and over 30 test and research centers. The purpose is to drive collaboration and knowledge transfer between test centres and global regions. [UK] (EN) | International WaTERS is an Associated Organisation, initiated by EMEC (European Marine Energy Centre) in Orkney. Offshore Proof will organize and host four annual meetings across partner countries in collaboration with EMEC. These meetings will facilitate the dissemination of results, enable learning from other offshore test sites, and discuss the creation and future expansion of a network of accredited offshore test sites. Partners in other initiatives such as Marenerg-i and ISSS also participate in International WaTERS. (EN), CoP North Sea managed by RVO, NL (EN) | The synergy between Offshore Proof and CoP North Sea lies in expanding the CoP model across four countries, focusing on innovative offshore renewables and multi-use projects. By tapping into the CoP Noordzee's network, Offshore Proof aims to replicate and expand this successful model, facilitating co-hosted meetings with regional networks to share advancements and build trust around innovative ORE with an aim to built new partnerships that take up innovations in new projects. (EN), Digi4Eco project (Horizon Europe 101112883)
- Digital twin to simulate the environmental effects using AI (SmartBay, Marine Institute Ireland) (EN) | Offshore Proof and DIGI4ECO can create synergy by integrating digital innovation and AI into offshore testing and monitoring. DIGI4ECO focuses on marine ecosystem management using digital tools. Offshore Proof wishes to explore AI for underwater monitoring and measurement in its pilot actions. By collaborating with SmartBay (Marine Institue Ireland), a common partner/Associated Organisation in both projects, Offshore Proof can tap into DIGI4ECO’s expertise in their experience. (EN), eMSP NBSR
- Emerging ecosystem-based Maritime Spatial Planning topics in North and Baltic Sea Regions (EN) | Offshore Proof and eMSP NBSR share a synergy through their use of the Communities of Practice (CoP) model across multiple countries. eMSP CoP structure for Maritime Spatial Planning can help Offshore Proof's expansion of the CoP model for innovative offshore renewables.
- Additionally, eMSP NBSR, being initiated and managed by public authorities, presents an opportunity for Offshore Proof to tap into its networks and channels to promote our Joint Action Plan. By aligning with eMSP, Offshore Proof can create visibility and reach within the public sector. (EN), OceanDemo (Interreg NWE) (EN) | Offshore Proof and OceanDemo share common goals but had different approaches. OceanDemo aimed to demonstrate and de-risk ocean energy technologies with ambitious targets but faced challenges such as unmet goals (such as 100MW installed capacity and multi-device farms) and a lack of formal certification or third-party test reports. Their approach provided free access to testing sites with limited involvement from test centers in the actual testing campaigns. Offshore Proof learns from OceanDemo’s experience by emphasizing formal accreditation and structured, harmonized testing methodologies. (EN), MEA: Marine Energy Alliance (Interreg NWE) (EN) | Offshore Proof and the Marine Energy Alliance (MEA) both aim to advance offshore renewable technologies, but Offshore Proof addresses a more pressing need by focusing on rigorous, full-scale testing and certification, which is essential for market readiness and solution uptake. While MEA offered broad, early-stage business support for start-ups, OP will focus on technology development and first-of-a-kind full scale implementation - the largest hurdle for large scale adoption in stand-alone ORE or MU offshore wind projects. Possibly MEA technologies that have advanced sufficiently may qualify for further testing through OP. (EN), Offshore For Sure (Interreg Vlaanderen/Nederland) (EN) | Offshore For Sure (O4S) and Offshore Proof share a common goal of advancing offshore renewable technologies, but they address different stages of the process. O4S focuses on guiding technologies through the certification steps. However, technologies in O4S are applying technical specifications to the best of their ability without access to accredited testing facilities, as such facilities do not yet exist. Offshore Proof aims to bridge this gap by establishing these accredited testing facilities, ensuring that technologies can be rigorously validated rather than relying on best-effort approaches. (EN), TIGER: The Tidal Stream Industry Energiser Project; Interreg France/England (EN) | The Tidal Stream Industry Energiser Project (TIGER) made significant strides in advancing the development of tidal turbines from companies like Minesto, Orbital, Tocardo, Hydroquest, and Proteus. While TIGER was ambitious in its goals, it ultimately fell short of delivering permanent installed capacity in the region. This shortfall was due, in part, to the absence of adequate feed-in tariffs, which hindered market uptake. However, a larger issue was the incomplete de-risking of the technologies themselves. Without full certification and proven reliability, the turbines were not considered bankable by investors or insurance companies, creating a barrier to large-scale deployment.
- Offshore Proof can build on the lessons learned from TIGER by focusing on rigorous testing and certification protocols to fully de-risk offshore renewable technologies. By ensuring that systems are validated through accredited test facilities and certified to international standards, Offshore Proof aims to fill the gap that hindered TIGER’s success, making these technologies more attractive to investors and insurers, thus accelerating their path to commercialization. (EN), UK Contract for Difference (CfD) (EN) | Through associated partner EMEC, Offshore Proof can benefit from the UK's successful Contract for Difference (CfD) financing model, which has already demonstrated its ability to advance commercial-scale tidal energy projects. For example, in the latest CfD round (AR6), the UK Government allocated £10 million specifically for tidal power projects, providing a critical incentive for the sector's growth. Previous CfD rounds supported 28 MW of tidal energy linked to the Morlais project, creating a stable financial environment that reassured investors and enabled larger-scale development.
- This model illustrates how fixed-price guarantees can help bring emerging ocean energy technologies to commercial readiness. Offshore Proof can draw lessons from the UK’s approach to financing by advocating for similar earmarked feed-in tariffs in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. By focusing on certified, bankable, and insurable technologies, as Offshore Proof aims to achieve, these countries can leverage such a model to unlock funding and scale up ocean energy. Learning from the UK, these nations can establish financial frameworks that support de-risked projects, allowing for investor confidence and industry growth. (EN), Inn2POWER (Interreg North Sea Region) (EN) | Both projects improve the offshore energy ecosystem, strengthening innovation and market readiness across the NWE/NSR region. Inn2POWER focused on supporting SMEs in offshore wind and green hydrogen, while Offshore Proof targets mature technologies in wave, tidal, solar and energy storage for certification and bankability. Offshore Proof can learn from Inn2POWER’s website of test sites and benefit from their SME match making support tool. (EN), EU Pact for Skills - Offshore Renewable Energy (P4S-ORE) initiative by European Commission and the EU FLORES project (Erasmus+ ) (EN) | The synergy between Offshore Proof and the EU Pact for Skills on Offshore Renewable Energy (P4S-ORE) and EU FLORES project is crucial for advancing the offshore renewable sector. Offshore Proof's WP3 aims to complete 300 joint training schemes, directly contribution to P4S-ORE's mission to enhance sector-specific skills. Partners DQ, Bluespring and UG are partners in the P4S-ORE initiative and in EU FLORES. They can bring in results from the EU FLORES project on skills, needs and training content and directly tap into the growing network of educators in the field of ORE (40+ universities, training centers and COVE's). (EN), House of Europe
- "Huis van Europa" in The Hague houses key EU institutions, including the European Commission Representation in the Netherlands and the European Parliament Liaison Office. (EN) | The synergy between Offshore Proof and Huis van Europa centers on tapping into the EU's resources and expertise to advancing the project's WP2 outputs (Joint Action Plan) in the following ways:
- Policy Support: Huis van Europa can facilitate connections with EU policymakers, providing Offshore Proof access to influential stakeholders and updates on EU policies relevant to offshore renewables.
- Information and Communication: Through its outreach and communication channels, Huis van Europa can help disseminate Offshore Proof’s findings and initiatives to a broader audience, enhancing visibility and engagement.
- Networking Opportunities: The center serves as a hub for interactions between EU institutions and local entities, enabling Offshore Proof to engage with various EU networks and gain insights on funding opportunities, policy developments, and best practices.
- Campus@Sea, through Bluespring and DQ have already organised joint communication activities in the past, e.g. at World Harbor Days. (EN), EU SCORES (Horizon) (EN) | Offshore Proof and EU SCORES both aim to accelerate offshore renewable energy, but with different focuses. Offshore Proof seeks to establish a network of accredited offshore test sites to professionalize testing services and enable certification of technologies like wave and floating solar, critical for de-risking investments. EU SCORES focuses on large-scale demonstration of multi-use energy parks combining wind, wave, and solar, but does not involve accredited testing facilities, which currently do not exist. Together, they complement each other by addressing key gaps in certification and large-scale deployment. (EN), Multi-use projects with UG as partner: Edulis, MPVAQUA, UNITED, ULTFARM and Blueconnect (EN) | Through UG's involvement in these projects, Offshore Proof can build on the combined insights and results from these projects for the Social Cost Benefit study and Joint Action Plan, using their research on co-location, ecosystem restoration, regulatory alignment, and stakeholder engagement.
- Edulis (2016-2019): Offshore mussel culture within wind farms, funded by UGent, Belwind, C-Power, Colruyt, DEME, and EMFAF.
- MPVAQUA (2019-2022): Marine floating PV technology, funded by VLAIO Blue Cluster O&O.
- UNITED (2020-2024): Multi-use platforms for sustainable marine production, funded by the European Commission.
- Ultfarms (2023-2026): Circular aquaculture and marine space restoration in wind farms, funded by the European Commission.
- BLUECONNECT (2024-2028): Marine Protected Area restoration and connectivity of Blue Corridors, funded by the European Commission. (EN)
Total budget/expenditure: EUR 4 189 633.75
Total EU funding (amount): EUR 2 513 780.24
Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 60.00%
Co-financing sources:
- ERDF: Amount, EUR 2 513 780.24. Co-financing rate, 60.00%.
Investments, deliverables, policy contributions
(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)
Deliverables:
Programme Common Output Indicator:
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RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
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RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
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RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
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RCO 085 - Participations in joint training schemes, Measurement unit:
Programme Common Result Indicator:
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RCR 081 - Completions of joint training schemes, Measurement unit:
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RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
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RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:
Programme Result Indicator:
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PSR 1: Organisations with increased institutional capacity due to their participation in cooperation activities across borders, Measurement unit: Organisations
Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project
Financing programme
2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B North West Europe
Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme
2026-05-12
No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)
70 / 70 (100%)
No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)
753 / 753 (100%)
Notes on the data