The first six-figure funding pot to improve competitiveness in the offshore wind supply chain has been released today by the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP).
Part of the £250 million Offshore Wind Sector Deal announced by the UK Government in March, the first £400,000 trance is available to all UK firms.
The fund is specifically looking for companies able to reduce costs in the sector through advanced manufacturing and develop advanced sensors and communications devices.
Funding for this part of the Sector Deal has come from the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) and will be delivered by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult.
The supply chain fund has a budget of £100m over ten-years.
Over 200 companies have registered an interest.
It is hoped it will promote “closer collaboration” across the supply chain and with offshore wind developers and supply chain firms.
Andrew Macdonald, OWGP programme director, said: “It’s great to see the offshore wind industry’s commitment to developing and growing its UK supply chain as the industry continues to show rapid growth.
“Announcing this funding is a huge step forward and shows the positive, tangible opportunities for the UK coming out of the Sector Deal.
“Our aim, through the OWGP, is to maximise the economic benefits of the UK’s world-leading position in offshore wind by delivering increased productivity and competitiveness that will drive increased UK content into offshore windfarms in the rapidly growing global market, as well as in the UK.
“These two calls are the first of many that will kick start our journey to achieving a globally recognised and world-leading offshore wind supply chain.”
Benj Sykes, industry chair of the Offshore Wind Industry Council, said: “Coastal communities around the UK are being transformed into centres of excellence and our wider supply chain is extending to every part of the country.
“The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership will ensure that the expansion of this dynamic sector will accelerate in the years ahead.”
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