£1.4m boost for UK offshore wind manufacturing
The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership’s (OWGP) Manufacturing Facility Support Programme (MFSP) has been designed to drive investment and increase UK offshore wind manufacturing capacity and capability.
A total of £1.4 million has been awarded to ARC Marine, DFS Composites, Global Energy Nigg and W3G Marine to develop new manufacturing facilities or expand existing ones.
“This funding will support the development of our seabed-supported tripod structure to enable turbine assembly onto floating foundations without the need for extensive port upgrades,” said Alan West, managing director of W3G Marine Ltd.
“The MFSP grant will allow us to further develop the business plan for the sites and ports we are already working with and join with the best parties to bring the solution to reality.”
Increased capacity
The funding will increase production capacity for key offshore wind components, equipment and systems that address the critical manufacturing priorities outlined in the Industrial Growth Plan.
This MFSP provides matched funding of up to £500,000, enabling early-stage investment and reducing risk for UK manufacturers.
Unlocking capital investment in these facilities will no doubt help drive innovation, enhance competitiveness, and reinforce the UK’s position as a global leader in offshore wind manufacturing and deployment.
Claire Canning, programme manager at OWGP, said: ”The Manufacturing Facility Support Programme will prove vital in enabling early-stage investment, providing companies with the necessary resources to develop new or additional production capacity.”
“Unlocking new manufacturing capabilities, increasing capacity and driving innovation will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of offshore wind technology, creating high-value jobs and enhancing global competitiveness.”