UK Launches Ten-Year Offshore Wind Growth Programme

The Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) is launching a ten-year programme to support the growth of UK businesses looking to capitalise on the opportunities offered by offshore wind.

The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP) will be delivered by Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult which will support supply chain companies to enable their growth and increase their competitiveness.

The GBP 100 million programme is expected to support over 650 UK companies to access the domestic offshore wind market and create further opportunities to enter the global market.

Support will include expert advice on manufacturing and commercialisation, as well as funding for innovation, ORE Catapult said.

The partnership is now initiating a four-month assessment of the foundations sector, which focuses on the current and projected requirements for turbine foundations in the UK and abroad, identifying potential barriers to growth and making recommendations to overcome challenges.

The first pilot opportunity for companies to apply for is expected in September, with further programmes starting in early 2020.

OWGP will be governed by an independent board chaired by Martin Whitmarsh, former McLaren Group CEO and Formula One Team Principal.

“The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership will provide practical help for UK companies so they can compete successfully for contracts in this thriving global market,” said Industry Chair of the OWIC and Ørsted UK Country Manager for Offshore, Benj Sykes.

“The UK’s global pre-eminence in offshore wind means we are uniquely placed to sell our innovative products and services worldwide.”