The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP) has confirmed the launch of an Innovation Grant Funding competition aimed at strengthening the national offshore wind supply chain.

Innovation grants ranging from £25,000 to £250,000 will be open for projects focusing on future cables, electrical systems, modern installation techniques, and operations and maintenance technologies.

The basis of the Innovation Grant announcement represents high growth areas in the supply chain capability analysis and the latest Offshore Wind Industrial Growth Plan, highlighting how the UK can generate thousands of new jobs in offshore wind manufacturing and secure billions in economic value over the next few years.

Grants are available to UK businesses active in the offshore wind supply chain market or those looking to diversify. The grants will be allocated on a competitive basis, with winning proposals showing market-ready solutions and a clear goal for industry progression.

Applicants can choose up to £200,000 in a single application to cover up to half the total project budget. The OWGP Innovation Grant will have the support of Ocean Winds and ScottishPower Renewables has shown interest in innovative projects.

Daniel Oliver, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Director at Ocean Winds, explains that now, more than ever, innovation can accelerate the business to secure efficiency and safety in their route to generating clean energy from offshore wind. Oliver believes this presents an opportunity to promote innovation across the industry.

Angela Angulo, Global Innovation Lead at the offshore wind business at Iberdrola, explains that introducing the Industrial Growth Plan has created an opportunity to support progress for innovative solutions to accelerate the growth of a competitive offshore wind supply chain.

The UK offshore wind industry employs over 30,000 people, and reports suggest that each large-scale offshore wind farm developed generates £2-3 billion for the national economy. Employment figures show a possible increase to over 100,000 by 2030, and investment in new offshore wind projects could generate over £90 billion for the UK by 2040.

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