As part of its Industrial Strategy, the UK government is taking new steps to strengthen the offshore wind supply chain and support clean energy deployment. A new initiative led by Great British Energy (GBE) will focus on scaling up domestic manufacturing for fixed-bottom and floating wind technologies, enhancing the UK’s ability to deliver offshore wind projects at pace and at scale.
The programme will provide targeted support for supply chain projects across the sector, including the production of key components and new innovations. A core aim is to attract private sector investment by reducing risk and creating the conditions for long-term industrial growth.
This effort will be underpinned by a public investment of £300 million, delivered through GBE. The funding will be used to co-invest in domestic supply chain projects, giving manufacturers and developers greater confidence to invest in UK capacity. The fund is designed to ‘crowd in’ private capital, maximising the reach and impact of public support.
GBE, the government’s publicly owned energy company, will work alongside other financial institutions including the National Wealth Fund (NWF) and UK Export Finance. Together, these bodies will help channel public investment into critical energy infrastructure while supporting regional development and industrial renewal.
The NWF, with £27.8 billion available to deploy, is already investing in clean energy initiatives such as long-duration energy storage and hydrogen technologies. These investments are closely aligned with offshore wind growth, which depends on a robust and diversified energy system.
Complementing the supply chain investment, the UK government is also reforming grid connection processes. Ofgem recently approved changes to prioritise clean energy projects, allowing offshore wind and other renewable schemes to be connected more quickly. Further reforms to planning and skills development are also under way to ensure the necessary workforce and infrastructure are in place.
Later this spring, the government will publish a Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan, outlining its approach to accelerating low-carbon industry and strengthening supply chains across the UK. Offshore wind is expected to play a central role in the strategy, reinforcing its importance to the energy transition and national economic resilience.
