The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP) has released its latest Development Grant funding call, with £2 million available for UK businesses looking to accelerate their growth in the offshore wind supply chain.
Funding is available for projects that target at least one of the high-value focus areas identified in the recent Supply Chain Capability Analysis report, commissioned by OWGP and the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC).
Proposals should align with one of the nine supply-chain categories that represent high-value opportunities for the UK, including cables, substations and electrical design, floating wind, steel fabrication, development services, offshore services, vessels, blades and rotor assembly and wind turbine generator components.
“We’re delighted to announce the latest development grant, now with a more programmatic focus based on a detailed economic analysis of the supply chain conducted with offshore wind industry experts," said Melissa Read, offshore wind manager at Equinor and industry lead for OWGP.
"While the UK has many strengths, the Supply Chain Capability Analysis was written in recognition that the UK could do more to fully grasp the economic potential offered by its world-leading wind sector – as UK suppliers face fierce international competition for business.
"With this new targeted fund, we hope to enable more UK-based organisations to play their part in the growth of renewable power in UK and international waters.”
Grants of up to £500,000 are available to cover up to 50% of project costs and will be awarded on a competitive basis.
Successful proposals will demonstrate a long-term business plan and clear ambition to unlock significant growth potential in the offshore wind sector.
More information is available from OWGP and at a briefing webinar on Friday, February 2. You can register for the webinar here.
OWGP has also revealed the 11 companies that have secured a share of the £2.4 million funding pot released in May 2023.
EchoBolt, Encomara, Insensys, Unmanned Survey Solutions, Quoceant, Technip FMC, Plaswire, CRC Evans, SeaRoc, London Marine Consultants and Windscope have all been awarded OWGP Development Grant funding to support offshore wind supply chain projects totalling £5m.
OWGP is a long-term business transformation programme established as part of the UK Offshore Wind Sector Deal. It has supported 220 UK companies since its inception in 2019.
For more information and to apply for funding, visit owgp.org.uk/programme/development-grants/
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