TIGGOR programme delivers lasting impact

A North East renewable energy programme has generated millions of pounds in economic value while helping businesses develop new technologies, create jobs and accelerate innovation across the offshore wind sector.

A new report from the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult has highlighted the impact of the £9 million Technology, Innovation and Green Growth for Offshore Renewables (TIGGOR) programme, which supported businesses across Northumberland, North Tyneside and Newcastle between 2020 and 2026.

Funded by North East mayor Kim McGuinness and sponsored by EDF Power Solutions and Equinor, the initiative awarded £7.6 million for research and development projects designed to tackle real-world offshore renewables challenges.

According to the report, TIGGOR generated between £20 million and £24 million in gross value added to the UK economy while supporting 88 organisations, funding 17 projects and helping launch 23 new-to-market products.

The programme also contributed to the creation of 36 jobs, 25 apprenticeships and traineeships and four new businesses, strengthening the region’s growing offshore renewable energy supply chain.

Mayor McGuinness said: “Offshore wind is at the heart of our green energy revolution in the North East as we double green energy jobs in the region to 50,000 by 2035. 

“We already have global organisations who know the North East is the place to invest, with ORE Catapult in Blyth at the forefront of technology innovation and critical to the future growth of offshore wind in our region. 

“We’ve worked with them to deliver TIGGOR, our nationally leading innovation programme, so we can lead the sector while creating high quality jobs and apprenticeships for local people.” 

Graham Smith, head of new ventures at ORE Catapult, added: “By offering structured support, expert guidance and targeted funding, TIGGOR enabled companies to advance solutions in areas including smart digital services, autonomous robotics, port operations and floating offshore wind. 

“The support ensured that innovations progressed more rapidly, overcame early-stage development risks, and were better positioned to secure future investment.

“By building an ecosystem where innovative businesses could scale, commercialise and secure funding, TIGGOR played a significant role in shaping the future of offshore renewable energy. 

“It demonstrates the power of targeted innovation support – unlocking growth, accelerating technology deployment, and building long lasting economic and environmental value for the North East of England and the wider UK.”

Among the businesses to benefit was Newcastle-based Kinewell, whose software solutions for offshore wind received support through TIGGOR. 

The company says the programme played a “transformational” role in developing technology that helped secure export sales and contributed to its King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

Dr Henna Bains, chief technology officer at Kinewell said: “The TIGGOR programme has been transformational for Kinewell. 

“It has helped us de-risk innovations, move them forward, and reach end users successfully. 

“The programme has enabled us to develop new products, create green jobs in the region, and expand our reach into international markets. 

“There are still many challenges within the offshore wind industry, and we are looking at how we address these challenges, what optimisation software solutions are required, and how can we add value to the sector.”

Since its launch, TIGGOR has been backed by industry partners EDF Power Solutions and Equinor, both of which are involved in major offshore wind developments in the region, including the Blyth Demonstrator and Dogger Bank Offshore Wind Farm.

Andrew Saunders, prepare for operations (PFO) manager, Dogger Bank Offshore Wind Farm at Equinor, added: “We are proud to have played our part in the success of the programme and the successes of the funded projects and organisations. 

“The programme has delivered exciting innovations for the offshore renewables space, alongside fantastic job creation, supply chain ripple effects and new businesses in the North East of England.”

Justina Giles, innovation business partner at EDF power solutions, added: “We are incredibly proud to have supported the TIGGOR programme and to see the tangible impact it has had on the North East region. 

“We understand the critical role innovation plays in driving down costs and enhancing efficiency. 

“The programme's success is also directly creating local jobs and launching new products to strengthen the UK's offshore wind supply chain.” 

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