The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP) will offer £300,000 to £25 million per supply chain project, to support investment priorities set out in the Industrial Growth Plan.
Funding for the programme comes from Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) developer members through its Industrial Growth Fund.
“I am delighted that we have today launched our first funding call based on OWIC’s Industrial Growth Fund,” said Tim Pick, chair of the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership and commissioner of the Clean Power 2030 Advisory Commission.
“This represents a step change in the level of funding being deployed by OWGP, as part of our role delivering the Industrial Growth Plan.”
Since 2019, funding from OWIC, an industry government coalition, has supported more than 380 projects that have strengthened the capacity and capability of the UK offshore wind supply chain.
The Industrial Growth Fund represents a new, larger phase of funding and will support organisations looking to expand or build new facilities.
Investment priorities in the Industrial Growth Plan include manufacturing turbine blades, cables and foundations, as well as cutting-edge technology in environmental services and operations and maintenance (O&M).
OWGP programme director Anil Sayhan said: “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.”
Under the Contracts for Difference (CfD) Allocation Round 7 Clean Industry Bonus framework, generators participating in AR7 may nominate OWGP to deliver a portion of their CIB minimum standard commitments.
Supply chain projects that meet the CIB criteria, as well as those that do not, are eligible to apply.
“The launch of the first round of the Industrial Growth Fund is a landmark moment for the UK’s world-leading offshore wind industry,” said Jane Cooper, deputy CEO of RenewableUK and OWGP board member.
“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.”
Adam Morrison, industry co-chair of the Offshore Wind Industry Council and UK country manager for Ocean Winds, added: “Our Industrial Growth Plan identifies high-value components to focus on, such as designing and manufacturing turbine towers, blades, foundations and cables, as well as providing services constructing and operating offshore wind farms.
“The measures set out in our Growth Plan will enable us to create 10,000 extra supply chain jobs, tripling our current manufacturing capacity and boosting the UK’s economy by a further £25 billion between now and 2035”.
Applications for the Industrial Growth Fund are open now 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, visit owgp.org.uk/programme/industrial-growth-fund