UK focuses on boosting offshore renewables supply chain

These projects exemplify the cutting-edge advancements supported by OWGP funding, driving the UK’s leadership in offshore renewables while enhancing supply chain resilience and innovation.

Claire Canning, OWGP Programme Manager, said: “This funding will strengthen the UK’s position in the global offshore wind market, contributing to economic growth, job creation, and transformative sector advancements.”

Projects awarded

Hutchinson Engineering, a standout among the development grant recipients, is working to revolutionise offshore renewables with its modular quayside assembly building. This innovation enables the serial assembly of internal platform structures, streamlining production and enhancing project efficiency.

Another development grant recipient, Power CSL, has also made waves with its next-generation array cable field joint and connector designed for fixed and floating offshore windfarms, addressing critical infrastructure needs. 

Meanwhile, RelyOn is advancing workforce readiness by creating a mobile training unit that delivers accredited renewable energy training, ensuring the sector has access to skilled professionals as it scales up.

Leading the Innovation Grant winners is Synaptec with its InFoTECH cable monitoring solution, an integrated fibre-optic system that provides real-time insights into thermal and electrical cable health.

Sedwell Ltd (InterBolt) is transforming offshore operations with its Smart Torque-Tooling, enabling precise torque-tightening data integration.

Another innovation grant recipient, Marine Power Systems, is delivering cost-effective engineering solutions for its PelaFlex FLOW Platform, an innovative installation methodology for floating offshore wind turbines that could redefine the deployment process.

Development grant

The new Development Grant programme offers funding between £50,000 and £500,000 to UK businesses scaling up their operations within the offshore renewables sector. The initiative is open to both industry players and external companies with innovative, market-ready solutions aligned with OWGP’s Supply Chain Capability Analysis and Industrial Growth Plan.

“As the UK works towards its ambitious offshore wind capacity targets, the need for a resilient and competitive supply chain has never been greater,” said Melissa Read, Offshore Wind Manager at Equinor and OWGP Board Observer.

“OWGP’s Development Grant programme is designed to support this growth, providing financial backing to help businesses scale up.”

Applications for the new Development Grant are open until 28 February 28 2025.