UK Government Invests £1 Million to Boost Global Export Opportunities for Offshore Wind Sector

The UK government is launching a £1 million initiative to empower British companies to navigate regulatory and market challenges, thereby opening up new international markets for their offshore wind products and services. The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has announced that this comprehensive program, slated for completion by March 2025, will be implemented by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, Britain's premier technology and innovation centre dedicated to offshore renewable energy.

An elite team of offshore wind experts from ORE Catapult will collaborate extensively with DBT's trade commissioners stationed across various countries. This project is designed to elevate the UK's offshore wind supply chain, positioning it as a preferred partner internationally while mapping out capabilities, infrastructure needs, and critical requirements for targeted locations abroad. The initiative will pinpoint and cultivate opportunities for UK enterprises in diverse countries, including Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, the USA, and Vietnam.

Stephen Wyatt, director of strategy and emerging technology at ORE Catapult, said, "We're delighted to be working with the government on this exciting programme.

"The UK is a world leader in offshore wind, and we now have the opportunity to translate two decades of experience into new export opportunities for UK companies.

"Our work will help markets overseas accelerate their plans to develop offshore wind and pinpoint key areas, such as floating wind, project development, and operations and maintenance, where the UK's leading companies can also flourish overseas.

"This collaboration represents a welcome economic growth initiative, providing clear leadership, enhanced market visibility and invaluable support for UK companies interested in entering these fast-growing international markets."

The program will also feature a series of in-country workshops and fact-finding missions, focusing on strategy development, port infrastructure, and the burgeoning sector of floating offshore wind. These activities are prioritized to enhance the UK's integration and effectiveness in the global offshore wind market.

In addition, ORE Catapult will actively participate in international trade shows and conferences, engaging with regional and national stakeholders and policy experts. They will develop tailored strategy documents for individual markets and implement pilot projects in collaboration with selected international partners.

Upon completing the project, ORE Catapult will conduct a thorough analysis of all market data collected. The insights gained will be compiled into detailed findings and recommendations, which will be disseminated across the UK's renewable energy sector, with a particular emphasis on the three identified priority areas: strategy development, enhancement of ports infrastructure, and the advancement of floating offshore wind technologies.