The offshore wind centre will be able to accommodate up to 11 offshore wind turbines, and the aim of the centre is to prove next generation technology in a real-time, offshore environment.

The centre, a joint venture partnership between Vattenfall, Technip and Aberden Renewable Energy Group, is planned to be located offshore in Aberdeen Bay, Scotland.

The EU grant will support the development and capital costs associated with the offshore wind centre.

David Hodkinson, Director and Head of Development of Vattenfall Wind Power in the UK, says: “We very much welcome the news from the European Union which confirms the considerable financial support being awarded and underlines the strategic importance of the EOWDC and a move towards a vibrant UK offshore wind industry – which will attract jobs and inward investment.”

The Crown Estate has already awarded the offshore wind centre and exclusivity agreement as an offshore wind demonstration site. A full application for planning consent to construct the project will be submitted to Marin Scotland in early 2011.