Government invests £20 million in offshore wind supply chain
August 14, 2013
Offshore wind farms in the UK are set to receive £20 million to strengthen the supply chain capability and capacity.
The money, which is provided by the Regional Growth Fund, will be used to set up a new advisory service which will offer expert support and advice to companies looking to grow within the sector.
The UK has more offshore wind power than any other country in the world, so the investment aims to expand the supply chain to promote manufacturing in the UK, which in turn will create jobs and growth.
The long-term strategy was revealed by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg at a wind farm in Lincolnshire. He said: “This strategy will help keep Britain as the world leader in one of the most important industries of the 21st century. If we make the most of offshore wind’s potential in the UK, it can provide a big proportion of the energy that lights our homes and powers our economy.”
The current wind capacity has enough power to run around 5.5 million homes and this investment aims to boost that number.
Alex Dawson, chairman of Energi Coast, an offshore renewables group welcomed the investment. He said: “It is an important next step towards securing the future of this industry. Clarity of direction and confidence in the market is crucial if the industry is to attract further investment.”
A further £46 million will be invested in the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult Centre which will attract outside investment into the industry.
The government believes that with the right investment, offshore supply chains can generate around £7 billion for the UK’s economy.
