The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP) has launched a new £2m development grant competition to support UK supply chain companies to scale up and significantly strengthening the country’s position in the global offshore wind market.

The news comes as the OWGP announced a combined £3m in funding was awarded to 12 companies from its 2024 funding calls.

The grants available will range from £50k to £500k, with applicants eligible to request up to £500k for projects that cover up to 50% of the total budget.

The competition is open to both offshore wind sector companies and those outside the industry, provided their projects align with priorities outlined in the Supply Chain Capability Analysis and Industrial Growth Plan.

Funding will be awarded on a competitive basis, with priority given to proposals featuring near-to-market or market-ready solutions, and a clear ambition for growth within the sector.

In 2024, OWGP awarded £3m in funding to 12 UK-based supply chain companies, helping to drive innovation in line with the Industrial Growth Plan and Supply Chain Capability Analysis.

This included £1m in Innovation Grants, championed by Ocean Winds and ScottishPower Renewables and £2m in Development Grants to foster sector growth.

Hutchinson Engineering, Power CSL, RelyOn, Global Greenergy Group and Oxford Sensors have been awarded Development Grants.

Meanwhile Synaptec, Sedwell Ltd trading as InterBolt, Marine Power Systems, Apollo, Crondall Energy, HonuWorx and HPR Rov have been awarded funding through the OWGP Innovation Grant.

Melissa Read, offshore wind manager at Equinor and Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) OWGP board observer, said: “As the UK works towards its ambitious offshore wind capacity targets, the need for a resilient and competitive supply chain has never been greater.

“OWGP’s Development Grant programme is designed to support this growth, providing financial backing to help businesses scale up.”

Claire Canning, OWGP programme manager, added: “This funding will be directed toward projects that have the greatest potential to strengthen the UK's position in the global offshore wind market, aligning with industry priorities and contributing to economic growth, job creation, and sector-wide advancements.

“The success of last year’s funding calls showcases the immense potential within the UK’s offshore wind supply chain, and we look forward to continuing to support the development of transformative projects that will drive the sector forward and empower more companies to achieve their ambitious growth goals.”

Applications for stage one of the Development Grant will close on 28 February.

For further details on eligibility and how to apply for the OWGP Development Grants, click here