Offshore wind funding set to power growth

A renewable energy initiative is set to boost domestic manufacturing with multi-million-pound funding opportunities.

The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP), based in Glasgow, has launched its largest funding call to date, offering grants from £300,000 up to £25 million per project. 

Bosses say the programme aims to accelerate investment in the offshore wind supply chain and deliver on the UK’s Industrial Growth Plan (IGP). 

Funding comes from Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) developer members through the Industrial Growth Fund (IGF).

Since 2019, OWIC-backed funding has supported more than 387 projects, strengthening the capacity and capability of UK offshore wind manufacturing. 

The latest phase expands this work, targeting investment in turbine blades, cables, foundations and cutting-edge environmental services and operations and maintenance technologies.

Tim Pick, chair of the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership and commissioner of the Clean Power 2030 Advisory Commission, said: “I am delighted that we have today launched our first funding call based on OWIC’s Industrial Growth Fund. 

“This represents a step change in the level of funding being deployed by OWGP, as part of our role delivering the Industrial Growth Plan.”

Anil Sayhan, OWGP programme director, added: “The Industrial Growth Fund marks a major step in delivering the ambitions of the Offshore Wind Industrial Growth Plan. 

“Achieving IGP targets requires strategic domestic investment to expand existing facilities and establish new ones capable of producing critical components. 

“Through this funding initiative, OWGP is helping UK companies make the capital investments needed to grow home-grown supply, strengthen supply chain resilience, create high-value jobs, and position the UK at the forefront of offshore wind technology.”

OWGP assumed responsibility as the IGP Delivery Body in June, coordinating projects to align with Government industrial strategy while facilitating collaboration across industry, Government and stakeholders. 

The organisation also supports the Contracts for Difference Allocation Round 7 Clean Industry Bonus, allowing generators to nominate OWGP to manage portions of their commitments, with all eligible supply chain projects able to apply.

The fund represents a strategic effort to direct investment where it will deliver maximum benefit, supporting the UK’s goal of expanding its offshore wind capabilities while stimulating domestic manufacturing, innovation and economic growth. 

By providing substantial capital support, OWGP aims to ensure the UK offshore wind sector remains globally competitive and contributes significantly to the net-zero transition.

Jane Cooper, deputy chief executive of RenewableUK and OWGP board member, added: “The launch of the first round of the Industrial Growth Fund is a landmark moment for the UK’s world-leading offshore wind industry. 

“It will support the creation of vibrant, innovative new supply chains all over the country, building on the hundreds of companies already thriving here which serve our sector. 

“It will ensure that communities throughout the UK feel the tangible benefits of industrial regeneration in areas which need new opportunities."

Applications for the Industrial Growth Fund open today (October 27) and will close on Friday, December 12, at 5pm. 

The final value of the fund will be dependent on the AR7 award decisions, expected by March 2026.

For more information on eligibility and how to apply, click here.

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