The Crown Estate has initiated the third funding round of its Supply Chain Accelerator programme, allocating GBP 15 million (EUR 17 million) to support early-stage offshore wind supply chain projects in the UK.
Businesses can apply for match funding covering up to 50% of eligible early-stage development costs, with grants ranging from GBP 250,000 (EUR 288,000) to GBP 2 million (EUR 2.3 million).
A partner, Great British Energy, may co-invest in projects that align with its mission and complete development through the Supply Chain Accelerator.
Applications are open until 3 July, with successful applicants expected to be announced by the end of 2026.
Projects seeking funding must align with priorities outlined in the UK offshore wind Industrial Growth Plan (IGP) or port and infrastructure development supporting IGP goals.
Previous funding rounds awarded nearly GBP 18 million (EUR 21 million) to 26 organizations, supporting diverse projects like an operations hub in Port Talbot and a floating wind test centre in Orkney.
The Crown Estate established the Supply Chain Accelerator in 2024 to invest up to GBP 400 million (EUR 461 million) in the UK offshore wind supply chain, aiming to accelerate and de-risk projects supporting offshore wind infrastructure.
This new funding round coincides with the expansion of the UK offshore wind sector, including the development of floating wind projects in the Celtic Sea and preparations for the Crown Estate’s Leasing Round 6, expected to bring over 6 GW of new offshore wind capacity by 2027.
“Maintaining the UK’s world-leading position in offshore wind relies on ensuring the supply chain supports large-scale construction and maintenance of offshore wind infrastructure,” said Julia Rose, Head of Offshore Wind at the Crown Estate.
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Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz