Nov 2 2020
The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership has launched its next grant funding programme for offshore wind supply chain companies to improve competitiveness, increase capability and achieve a step-change in growth.
Burbo Bank offshore wind. Image Credit: Orsted
The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP) has released its largest funding call to date, totalling £1.5 million for Development Grants to be awarded to successful supply chain companies. Development Grants of between £75K and £500K are available for capital and operational expenditure on projects that will unlock significant growth potential in UK content, jobs and export opportunities.
This latest tranche of funding builds on the £1M already allocated across three smaller funding competitions launched in the last 12 months. OWGP funding calls are complemented by business transformation programmes including the Wind Expert Support Toolkit (WEST) and the £1.5M Sharing in Growth (SiG) programme.
Development Grants are available to UK companies and will be awarded on a competitive basis, with successful proposals demonstrating a long-term business plan and a clear ambition for growth in the sector. Eligible applicants can request up to £500k in a single grant application to cover up to 50% of the total project budget.
The OWGP plays a key role in delivery of the Offshore Wind Sector Deal and is funded by members of the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC), with a budget of £100m over ten years. The programme supports the growth of UK businesses looking to capitalise on the huge opportunities offered by the global offshore wind sector.
Martin Whitmarsh, chair of OWGP said: “The OWGP is seeking UK companies with transformative plans for growth.These new Development Grants can accelerate investment decisions and deliver ambitious development plans for up to eight UK companies. I am looking forward to seeing some exciting proposals that will build on the UK’s world-leading position in offshore wind.”
Over 500 companies have now registered an interest on the OWGP website where further information on the Development Grants can be found. For more information, and to apply, visit the OWGP website at https://owgp.org.uk/about/funding-opportunities/