The Crown Estate has announced a further £13 million in funding for 16 UK offshore wind supply chain projects on the second round of its Supply Chain Accelerator programme.
The programme aims to accelerate and de-risk the early-stage development of UK supply chain projects that service the offshore wind sector, including floating offshore wind (FLOW).
Wales’ successful projects include Offshore Energy Catapult’s Celtic Sea testing facility, Speera Seaworks’ floating construction station at Port Talbot and backing for Celtic Freeport partner, Ledwood Engineering, at Pembroke Dock.
Luciana Ciubotariu, CEO of Celtic Freeport, welcomed the support, saying: “This is another welcome boost for South Wales as we begin to build a supply chain to deliver FLOW in the Celtic Sea and beyond. This is great news for Pembroke Dock, ORE Catapult and Port Talbot, as we work to strengthen local manufacturing and supply capabilities to attract further investment into Wales’ growing offshore wind cluster.”
Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning: “This funding is a significant vote of confidence in Wales’ offshore wind capabilities. From Ledwood Engineering’s automated mooring systems in Pembroke Dock to the Offshore Energy Catapult’s Celtic Sea testing facility and Speera Seaworks’ floating construction station at Port Talbot, these projects demonstrate Wales is building the infrastructure and expertise to lead the floating wind revolution.”
Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, Secretary of State for Wales: “Wales is at the forefront of the UK’s growing clean energy industry and its great news that more projects are receiving vital funding which will help ensure their success. The development of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea presents huge opportunities in Wales, contributing to our economic growth and creating thousands of well-paid skilled jobs.“
