The offshore wind industry is offering funding worth up to £25 million to each UK-based company wanting to enter the offshore wind supply chain or to expand their existing facilities. The grants will boost the volume of wind farm components being made in Britain, creating thousands of high-quality jobs throughout the country.
The first ever round of the muti-million pound Industrial Growth Fund is being paid for by wind farm developers who are members of the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC). It’s the most ambitious programme to date to be launched by the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership, the body which is delivering the sector’s Industrial Growth Plan, with funding provided by OWIC.
The Growth Plan, unveiled last year, sets out exactly which high value components and services the UK should focus on to generate the highest economic benefits for Britain, as part of the Government’s overall Industrial Strategy. These include designing and manufacturing turbine towers, blades, foundations and cables, as well as providing services constructing and operating offshore wind farms. Companies applying for funding must show that they can meet the needs of the industry by supplying precisely what’s required to a high standard.
The Industry Co-Chair of the Offshore Wind Industry Council Adam Morrison, the UK Country Manager of Ocean Winds, said:
'The launch of the multi-million pound Industrial Growth Fund is a huge stride forward for the sector, turning our Industrial Growth Plan into reality by ensuring that more companies join our world class supply chain to provide goods and service for offshore wind projects here and abroad. The measures set out in the 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'.
Jane Cooper, Deputy CEO of RenewableUK and OWGP Board Member, said:
'The launch of the first round of the Industrial Growth Fund is a landmark moment for the UK’s world-leading offshore wind industry. 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'.
The Industrial Growth Fund opens for applications from companies today, and will close on Friday 12 December. More information on how companies can apply is available here.
Source: RenewableUK
