Start-up challenge:
Autonomous underwater inspections on the high seas
On the lookout for solutions to optimise our offshore assets with autonomous equipment
Iberdrola's Startup Programme PERSEO is on the lookout for solutions to improve our offshore wind facilities with fully autonomous or remote-controlled equipment.
At Iberdrola, we have been pioneers in renewables for more than 20 years and we have now also consolidated our position as the world's leading wind energy operator. Offshore technology has become a key growth driver for our company and our commitment to the energy transition. More than half of our investment in renewables (€15.5 billion) is focused on offshore wind construction projects in the US, UK, France and Germany under our 2024-2026 Strategic Plan.
Description of the Challenge
In this context, through Iberdrola's Startup Programme PERSEO, is looking for fully autonomous or remotely operated equipment to help optimise the underwater inspection of our offshore assets. The main, but not exclusive, objective is the detection of anomalies and failures in the foundation and seabed anchoring elements of our wind turbines. In addition, inspections of subsea cables will be considered.
Marine environments can be harsh, with extreme weather conditions. Equipment must be able to withstand these conditions to optimise maintenance inspections and reduce costs, time and risks to our employees.
Here some proposals to consider:
- Fully autonomous vehicles or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs)
- Inspection systems for subsea components for turbines and substations (jackets, foundations, undersea cables, etc.)
- Image or video capture and condition scanning with subsequent data analysis (complete inspection packages including 3D modelling solutions or digital twins)
- Preventive maintenance and on-site repair where possible or necessary
- Measurement capability/Measurement capability reading/ cathodic protection reading included
- Marine growth cleaning capacity included
- Thickness measurement capability (e.g. marine growth or slurry levels using a lead line)
- Flooded Member Detection (FMD) capability included (or appropriate alternative techniques)
In addition, the following features will be essential:
- Maturity and reliability
- Autonomous performance
- Investment and operating costs
- Minimum working hours (range)
- Ease of implementation, use and minimal training
- Continuity in power generation
- HSE (health, safety and environment) standards
Start-up challenge Timeline
Start-up challenge:
Autonomous underwater inspections on the high seas
- april
- may
- june
april
22 April
Launch of the challenge
Call for proposals
-
Sending the applications received on a weekly basis -
Screening of proposals by business -
Interaction with an external supplier for doubt-solving
may
22 May
Analysis and selection of winners
-
Analysis of the proposals received on the basis of the information in the form and the evaluation criteria -
Clarification meetings with start-ups -
Shortlisting -
Selection of the winner -
Announcement of winners on Iberdrola.com and other media
june
27 June
Start of definition of pilots and implementation process
-
Definition of scope and location - Offer preparation and issuing of the order
-
Kick Off Meeting (KOM) and Proof of Concept (PoC) launch -
Analysis of results -
Investment analysis and trade relations
Prize
The award will consist of a testing agreement with PERSEO or another Iberdrola company that will cover the cost of these activities and provide the winner with all the technical assistance needed. The winner will have the opportunity to test in a real data environment to fully evaluate the solution, offering access to tools, equipment, infrastructure, high-tech sites and shared work areas. The project will be developed in collaboration with specialised technicians from Iberdrola's Renewables and Offshore business areas.
If the trial or proof of concept is successful, Iberdrola may offer the winner the opportunity to scale the solution through commercial agreements. In addition, PERSEO may consider investing in the participating company and/or in the winning solution of the Startup challenge.
Solve your doubts about the project
What solutions are they looking for?
We are looking for fully autonomous or remotely operated equipment to help optimise the subsea inspection of our offshore assets. The solution focuses primarily, but not exclusively, on detecting anomalies and failures in the foundation and seabed anchoring elements of our assets. In addition, subsea cable inspections will be considered.
Why are Iberdrola and Perseus the right partners for my company?
Iberdrola is no stranger to working with start-ups and emerging companies: in the last two years, the Group has launched more than 22 start-up challenges to address urgent problems in today's energy grids.
Working with Iberdrola presents a unique opportunity: winning this Challenge will reward you with the signing of a collaboration agreement for the development of a Proof of Concept (PoC). The PoC will be developed in collaboration with Offshore's technical specialists. In addition, PERSEO covers the costs of the pilot activities and provides you with the necessary technical support, giving you access to real infrastructures and data to test your solution. Finally, PERSEO may consider investing in your solution!
What are the key benefits of the challenge for me?
- Collaboration Agreement and Pilot Test: The prize for the winner consists of a collaboration and test agreement with PERSEO or any other company of the Iberdrola group. The group will support the cost of the pilot activities.
- Access to all areas: Iberdrola will provide the winner with all necessary technical support, as well as a site and real data to test the solution. This includes access to equipment, hardware, infrastructure, high-tech sites and shared work areas.
- Scale your technology: If the pilot test is successful, Iberdrola may offer the winner the opportunity to scale the solution by adapting it through commercial agreements.
- Investment: In addition, PERSEO will consider investing in the participating company and/or the winner of the challenge.
Can I register more than one proposal?
You are welcome to submit more than one proposal, just be sure to submit one application form for each proposal.
When is the deadline for registration?
The deadline for applications for this challenge is 21 May 2024.
How will the registrations be evaluated?
When evaluating its proposals, Iberdrola will consider, among others, the following value propositions:
- The maturity, reliability and scalability of the solution, including hardware (sensors) and software/algorithm for both equipment management and data processing to generate alerts.
- Simplicity of installation (Plug&Play), maintenance and autonomy (low consumption/self-powered).
- Integration with current monitoring systems.
- The total cost, both initial and recurrent.
Solutions will be selected on the basis of the evaluation criteria. Start-ups, entrepreneurs and innovators who have signed up to the challenge the most will be notified by email and invited to talk to the project's team of specialists.
Who can participate in the challenge?
Entrepreneurs, start-ups, researchers, specialists and innovators able to scale up their solutions and negotiate partnerships and commercial contracts together with a company with global reach.
In case of questions that are not listed here or for further information, who should I contact?
Send an email directly to the following account: perseo@iberdrola.es.