The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP) has awarded a total of GBP 2 million to eight UK businesses as part of its latest grant competition. The OWGP is delivered by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult and funded by the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC).
The winning projects focus on a range of innovative solutions to enhance the efficiency, safety and sustainability of offshore wind development and operations. These include condition monitoring of turbine blades and inter-array electrical cables, biofouling prevention on turbine ladders, and offshore floating wind mooring and anchoring solutions.
According to Anil Sayhan, OWGP Programme Director, “Offshore wind provides exciting growth opportunities for UK supply chain companies within the domestic market and overseas. Since its inception, OWGP has supported over 200 projects across our business transformation and grant funding portfolio at an aggregate value exceeding £15 million.”
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In addition to supporting UK supply chain growth, the winning projects have the potential to unlock cost reductions and improve the safety of offshore wind operations. The OWGP's grant funding portfolio consists of 60 projects, each bringing tangible benefits to the UK offshore wind sector, creating jobs, and unlocking UK export opportunities.
The next GBP 2 million development grant competition will launch in May 2023, providing further opportunities for UK businesses to access funding and support for innovative offshore wind projects. The OWGP's ongoing efforts to drive innovation and growth in the UK offshore wind sector are helping to cement the country's position as a world leader in renewable energy.