The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero have confirmed additional support to develop the floating offshore wind manufacturing investment scheme (FLOWMIS) at Port Talbot, securing up to £160 million of UK Government funding.

Created as a part of the UK Government’s Powering Up Britain plans, FLOWMIS is looking to strengthen the UK’s position in floating offshore wind by allocating funds to support private investment into port infrastructure projects capable of supporting potential future pipelines.
The scheme will support the initial infrastructure required to enable the development of wind turbines and accommodate the delivery of components necessary for floating offshore wind.

The due diligence process will include a subsidy control assessment by the Competition and Markets Authority, exploring whether the grant funding proposal complies with the Subsidy Control Act 2022. Funding offers for these projects are due to be completed this year.
Furthermore, the Crown Estate is proceeding with plans to deliver the Offshore Wind Leasing Round 5, making selected seabed areas capable of supporting an additional 4.5 GW of floating wind capacity. The UK Government is partnering with the Crown Estate to develop additional floating wind in the Celtic Sea, which could create a further 12GW of generation.

Henrik Pedersen, the CEO of Associated British Ports, explains that ABP welcomes support from the government towards the plans to transform the port of Port Talbot into a significant hub for floating offshore wind and green energy development. The FLOWMIS award and investment from ABP could generate a potential £1 billion investment in Port Talbot and the surrounding region as a green hub, developing nearly 10,000 jobs in South Wales.

Welsh Secretary David Davies believes that floating offshore wind is critical to future energy plans, and the coastline of South Wales represents a valuable opportunity to grow the sector and generate new jobs. Andrew Bowie, the Minister for Nuclear and Renewables, highlights that they are leaders in offshore wind and have a similar vision with floating offshore wind. Bowie believes the development plans for the Celtic Sea can put the UK in a stronger position to support additional floating offshore wind projects and enable the target of 5GW by 2030 to be achievable.

FLOWMIS will enable the UK to continue progressing with floating offshore wind, strengthening the renewables market, reducing energy costs and delivering affordable and more secure energy for the country.

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