The MARINERG-i Distributed Research Infrastructure (DRI) unites and consolidates the EU Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) testing facilities to accelerate development and realise potential of this sector. The world is current undergoing a significant shift in all aspects of energy supply and the vast potential of ORE is being realised and is an intrinsic part of future plans. Through the acceleration of technology development MARINERG-i will provide significant support to achieving the EU Green Deal targets. This will strengthen European scientific and engineering expertise as well as foster innovation in ORE technologies. By consolidating investment in infrastructure and expertise across Europe, MARINERG-i will offer the best quality service and will act as a magnet to attract further funding.

Following a successful application, MARINERG-i is one of 11 new Research Infrastructures to be added to the ESFRI 2021 roadmap. The ESFRI European Roadmap for Research Infrastructures, stimulates the implementation of these facilities and arguably contains the best European science facilities based on a thorough evaluation and selection procedure. With Ireland as the lead country MARINERG-i is currently also supported by Belgium, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom, with considerable support from institutions within France, the Netherlands, Italy, Norway and Germany. The team are now embarking on a preparatory phase, establishing the legal, governance, scientific and business components required to implement the MARINERG-i DRI.