The UK government has announced an initial £300 million investment through its state-owned firm, Great British Energy, aimed at strengthening domestic offshore wind supply chains as part of efforts to accelerate the transition to clean energy.
The funding, which has been brought forward ahead of the Comprehensive Spending Review, is expected to unlock additional private sector investment worth billions of pounds. According to government officials, the move is designed to reduce risks for clean energy projects, support job creation, and stimulate economic growth in industrial regions.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the investment marks a strategic step toward ensuring the country’s clean energy infrastructure is built domestically.
“Delivering the Plan for Change means winning the race for the clean energy jobs of the future, which will drive growth and help us reach clean power by 2030,” Starmer said in a statement. “That is why I am bringing forward much-needed investment in our domestic offshore wind supply chains.”
The funding is part of a broader £8.3 billion commitment to Great British Energy over the current parliamentary term. It will support the development and manufacturing of key components, including floating platforms and undersea cables, in a bid to reduce reliance on imported infrastructure.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasized the importance of the initiative in insulating the UK from global energy price volatility. “It is only by taking back control of our energy that we can protect families and businesses from the rollercoaster of global markets we don’t control,” Miliband said.
The announcement coincides with the opening of the two-day Summit on the Future of Energy Security in London, co-hosted by the UK government and the International Energy Agency. Leaders including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are expected to attend the summit, which will focus on global energy resilience and the clean energy transition.
Dan McGrail, interim chief executive of Great British Energy, described the investment as essential for enhancing the UK’s competitiveness in clean energy technologies.
“Great British Energy will help the UK win the global race for clean energy jobs and growth by investing in homegrown supply chains and ensuring key infrastructure parts are made here in Britain,” McGrail said.
Industry groups welcomed the announcement, noting the potential economic benefits. Jane Cooper, deputy chief executive of RenewableUK, said, “The Prime Minister’s funding will be critical to ensuring the UK grasps the industrial opportunities in the offshore wind supply chain, at a time of intense global competition for clean energy investment.”
Companies will be able to apply for grants under the new scheme if they can demonstrate a commitment to long-term investment in domestic manufacturing. The funding aligns with existing initiatives such as the Clean Industry Bonus and the National Wealth Fund, which support the government’s modern industrial strategy.
Claire Mack, chief executive of Scottish Renewables, noted the significance of the funding for Scotland’s renewable sector. “This new funding announced today is a welcome boost for Scotland’s offshore wind sector which is central to our clean power future,” she said.
The UK government has also recently introduced reforms to accelerate grid connections and streamline planning processes in an effort to create a more conducive environment for clean energy development.
