Three UK start-ups have been awarded up to £800,000 each to develop next-generation offshore wind technology that will help reduce the cost of energy from deepwater offshore wind farms.

Edinburgh University spin-out NGenTec has secured £783,000 to develop its C-Gen light-weight direct drive wind turbine technology, which uses permanent magnets formed into rings that make it easier to assemble than existing technology.

Makhlouf Benatmane, chief executive of NGenTec, said the technology had so far met or exceeded expectations since it started testing a 1MW prototype in January, which was also partly funded by a separate government grant.

“The initial results from the first round of testing put us in a very strong position with major global players who have been watching our progress with interest,” he said. “The next stage is to begin working with wind turbine manufacturers to integrate our technology on a commercial footing.”

Northumberland-based Osbit Power also won £615,000 to develop its MaXccess-HBS offshore wind turbine access system, which creates a stable platform to allow people to transfer to and from wind turbines.

The company predicts the system will help reduce maintenance costs for offshore turbines, by making it easier for teams to reach the turbine towers.

OGN North Sea, based in Tyne and Wear, was awarded £640,000 to build a prototype steel jacketed foundation for large offshore wind turbines, which could be installed in water 30 metres deep. The design was developed by its sister company, Aquind Limited, and promises to reduce the cost of sub-sea foundations.

Commenting on the awards, Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said: “The Coalition is determined to drive ambitious green growth and this is putting our money where our mouth is.

“This cash shows we are delivering on our commitment to support innovation and offshore wind. Making wind turbines more efficient is common sense and will help bring down the costs, making them more attractive to build and helping us increase the amount of electricity we get from clean, green sources.”

DECC is expected to launch a second round of funding under the same Offshore Wind Component Technologies scheme early next month with a budget of £5m.