The Crown Estate has allocated GBP 13 million (nearly EUR 15 million) to 16 UK offshore wind supply chain projects through its Supply Chain Accelerator program. This funding aims to reduce risks and expedite market entry.
This second funding round, nearly triple the initial amount, now includes UK ports and port-related infrastructure to support construction, assembly, operations, and maintenance of fixed-bottom and floating offshore wind.
The selected projects focus on low-carbon reef scour protection, automated mooring solutions, and manufacturing of offshore wind foundations. One recipient, ARC Marine, is implementing its scour protection at the Rampion offshore wind farm and will also feature at the OranjeWind offshore wind farm in the Dutch North Sea.
Funding also supports a project by Sperra Seaworks and Bardex Energy, which developed the Floating Construction Station (FCS). This concept could enhance nearshore manufacturing for offshore wind. The FCS is being evaluated for deployment at various UK ports to facilitate manufacturing and launch of floating wind foundations, supporting the Crown Estate’s Celtic Sea program aiming for up to 4.5 GW of capacity.
The remaining recipients of support include Blyth Harbour Commission, European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), Eyemouth Harbour Trust, First Corporate Shipping, Ledwood Engineering, Morwind, Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, Offshore Solutions Group, Reflex Marine, SeAH Wind, and Slipform Engineering.
In this funding round, businesses could apply for up to GBP 1.5 million (EUR 1.7 million) per project, with the Crown Estate matching 50 percent of early-stage development costs. The combined development investment is expected to exceed GBP 26.5 million (EUR 30 million), potentially leading to over GBP 2.2 billion (EUR 2.5 billion) in capital investment and about 3,000 full-time jobs.
Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz