Offshore Wind Growth Partnership Unveils New Grant Initiative to Boost Manufacturing in the Sector

The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP) has unveiled a substantial business grant initiative, offering up to £2 million in funding to support the UK's offshore wind industry. Through the newly launched Manufacturing Facility Support Programme, companies planning to build or expand factories that produce offshore wind components, equipment, and systems can apply for grants of up to £500,000.

This program is designed to propel the early-stage development of new manufacturing facilities, mitigating risks and laying the groundwork for significant capital investments. The OWGP emphasized that this funding aims to fast-track pre-investment activities, thereby unlocking further financial commitments in the sector.

The funds will be strategically allocated to projects that align with the key focus areas outlined in a recent sector growth strategy. This strategy was commissioned by the Offshore Wind Energy Council, RenewableUK, the Crown Estate, and Crown Estate Scotland, all of which are invested in expanding the UK's offshore wind capabilities.

"This new programme will provide highly focused support to innovative UK-based manufacturing companies with the necessary resources to develop new or additional production capacity geared towards providing locally-produced equipment and systems," said Iain Sinclair, executive director at Global Energy Group and non-executive director for OWGP. "Developing these resources is key to helping accelerate the deployment of offshore wind in the UK, helping us to reach our ambitious target of 60GW by 2030."

To secure a portion of the £2 million available, companies must undergo a rigorous two-stage application process and provide matching funds for any grants received. In addition, applicants are required to present a robust long-term business strategy. This strategy must encompass detailed plans for investment, anticipated market share, projected revenue, profitability, job creation, and export opportunities.

Established in 2019 under the Offshore Wind Deal, the OWGP is a business transformation programme funded by the government and supported by the Offshore Wind Industry Council, a coalition of industry leaders committed to advancing the UK's offshore wind sector.

Sinclair said the new programme "further advances [OWGP's] mission to improve productivity, increase business competitiveness, boost innovation, and support a globally competitive offshore wind supply chain in the UK."