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JDR project awarded funding by Department of Energy and Climate

: 1 March 2013: JDR, a leading provider of technology connecting the global offshore energy industry, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded funding by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) for new research into high voltage array cabling that will help make offshore wind a more cost-effective and competitive source of power and support the future growth of the industry.

The project, which will commence in 2013 and is expected to be completed in 2015, represents a significant investment by JDR into new power cable technologies.  It will benefit offshore wind developers as they look to use array cabling at higher voltages in a number of Round 3 UK wind farms.  The funds awarded by the Department of Energy and Climate Change will encompass up to 25% of the total project costs to a maximum of £1 million, and have been awarded to JDR as one of the winners of the second call of the Offshore Wind Components Scheme.

JDR will use its extensive knowledge of inter array cables to perform materials research, development, design of new types of power core and produce prototype cable lengths with the aim of delivering qualified new cable designs.

Andrew Norman, Chief Executive Officer of JDR, said:

“We are delighted that the Department of Energy & Climate Change has recognised JDR’s capabilities in the field of inter array cables and awarded funding to support our new research into high voltage array cabling for offshore wind farms.  The project will help drive down the cost of each megawatt of power produced by an offshore wind farm to make this source of renewable power more cost-effective and competitive. Our work will also benefit the environment through the introduction of alternative materials in the design of high voltage cables.  DECC’s involvement is a positive affirmation of support for the UK offshore wind industry and we look forward to starting work on this exciting project and contributing towards the future growth of this vital industry.”

Greg Barker, the Energy and Climate Change Minister, said:

“This £2.3million will give three more companies the boost they need to take their innovative designs to the next level, helping cut costs in offshore wind generation, and ultimately helping us harness more power from turbines out at sea. I wish High Voltage Partial Discharge Ltd, JDR Cable Systems Ltd and Principle Power (Europe) Ltd every success with their projects.”

JDR has a strong track record in offshore renewable projects, including Greater Gabbard, the world’s largest offshore wind farm to date and the Wave Hub, wave energy test centre.  JDR is ideally positioned to provide, engineering, manufacturing and installation services for the growing international market for alternative and sustainable energy, which is particularly strong in Europe.

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About JDR          

JDR is a leading provider of technology connecting the global offshore energy industry. Our products and services enable vital control and power delivery to offshore oil, gas and renewable energy systems.

The world’s major energy companies and subsea service providers depend on high performance subsea control umbilicals and subsea power cables that operate in the world’s harshest offshore environments. JDR invests in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, technology and people to deliver these world-class subsea products.

We have a proven track record of delivering client expectations and are totally committed to lifecycle customer service. We achieve this through our specialist engineering teams, experienced project management, integrated safety systems and a global service network that ensures 24/7 aftermarket support.

The Group has nearly 500 employees in six countries.