Offshore Wind Growth Partnership Offers First Project Funding

The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP) has issued its first funding calls for projects that have an aim of improving the UK offshore wind supply chain.

OWGP is allocating GBP 400,000 in two calls for projects that aim to improve the competitiveness of the existing UK supply chain and encourage the development of new products and services for the offshore wind sector.

The first call seeks submissions that identify potential cost reductions from advanced manufacturing or fabrication techniques, with an aim to encourage and support UK companies to explore new manufacturing methods and techniques that could improve productivity.

The second call focuses on developing advanced sensors, Internet of Things (IoT) and communications solutions, supporting companies to expand their range of products and services to meet future sector needs and is aimed at SMEs exploring innovative technologies, products and services to improve communications at next-generation offshore wind farms.

“Since launching the programme in June, I have been keen to ensure OWGP makes an impact as soon as possible and I am delighted to see OWGP has hit the ground running,” said Martin Whitmarsh, Chair of OWGP.

“These calls will directly support up to 16 companies and this is just the start of a long-term £100m programme to capitalise on the UK’s leading position in offshore wind deployment.”

To remind, the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) launched the OWGP in June. Delivered by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, it has a budget of GBP 100 million over a ten-year period and promotes closer collaboration across the supply chain and facilitates shared growth opportunities between developers and the supply chain.