The government is funding a £1m programme to help UK companies overcome regulatory and market barriers - and generate new opportunities to export offshore wind products and services globally.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) says the project is due for completion by the end of March 2025 and will be carried out by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, the UK’s technology and innovation research centre for offshore renewable energy.

ORE Catapult’s independent team of offshore wind specialists will work closely with DBT’s in country trade commissioners’ teams.

The project aims to position the UK’s offshore wind supply chain as a partner of choice while scoping capabilities, infrastructure and key requirements for select international locations, identifying opportunities for UK businesses.

Countries included in the project are Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, USA and Vietnam.

Stephen Wyatt, director – strategy and emerging technology, ORE Catapult, said: “We’re delighted to be working with government on this exciting programme.

"The UK is a world leader in offshore wind and we now have the opportunity to translate two decades of experience into new export opportunities for UK companies.

“Our work will help markets overseas accelerate their plans to develop offshore wind and pinpoint key areas, such as floating wind, project development, and operations and maintenance where the UK’s leading companies can also flourish overseas.

“This collaboration represents a welcome economic growth initiative, providing clear leadership, enhanced market visibility and invaluable support for UK companies interested in entering these fast-growing international markets.”

A series of in-country workshops and fact-finding missions will be delivered with strategy development, ports infrastructure and floating offshore wind assigned high priority.

ORE Catapult will also present at international trade shows and conferences; meet with regional and national stakeholders and policy experts; formulate strategy documents for individual markets and deliver pilot projects with selected partners.

At project close, all market data will be analysed with findings and recommendations shared with the UK’s renewable energy sector, with particular focus on the three priority areas: strategy development, ports infrastructure and floating offshore wind.