RenewableUK, the Offshore Wind Industry Council, The Crown Estate and Crown Estate Scotland have published a detailed Industrial Growth Plan, setting out how to triple offshore wind manufacturing capacity over the next ten years, firmly establishing the UK as a leader in a surging global market.

Projected employment

With 32,000 already employed in the sector, it is stated that every new large offshore wind farm contributes £2-3bn to the economy. By 2030, employment is projected to exceed 100,000, and investments in new projects could generate up to £92bn by 2040.

The Industrial Growth Plan (IGP) outlines measures to create 10,000 new jobs annually and add £25 billion to the economy by 2035 if offshore wind deployment reaches 5-6 gigawatts annually, supported by the UK’s vast pipeline of nearly 100GW in projects.

Graphic from the Offshore Wind Industrial Growth Plan

Recognising global supply chain challenges, the IGP suggests building strategic manufacturing capabilities to secure supply chains and stimulate economic growth. Key areas of investment include blades, turbine towers, foundations, cables, and other components, with emphasis on innovation and automation. To drive innovation, the plan proposes expanding testing facilities and establishing new research hubs. It aims to leverage nearly £3 billion in funding, with a return of nearly £9 to the economy for every £1 invested.

Supply Chain Accelerator

Gus Jaspert, Managing Director, Marine at The Crown Estate, said: “To truly make the most of the shift to renewable energy, we must also view the UK’s energy transition as an economic and jobs transition. 

“Establishing this supply chain will take co-ordination and collaboration across UK governments and industry, and the IGP provides the detail needed to target those areas where we can have the biggest impact. As an early action, The Crown Estate is establishing a £50 million Supply Chain Accelerator to catalyse early-stage investment, with an initial £10 million pilot fund launching this summer to support supply chain opportunities created through the Celtic Sea Leasing Round 5 and a further £40 million earmarked aligned to the IGP.”

Clean energy technology investment

A proposed IGP Delivery Body, in collaboration with key partners, will oversee the plan’s implementation, utilising funding from industry, the Government’s Green Industry Growth Accelerator (GIGA) fund, and other sources. The goal is to establish the Delivery Body by the end of the year. The IGP is part of broader efforts to attract investment in the UK amidst global competition in clean energy technology. By leveraging existing capabilities, the plan aims to grow the economy, create jobs, and maintain the UK’s leadership in offshore wind exports.

RenewableUK’s Chief Executive Dan McGrail said: “Our Industrial Growth Plan is the deepest dive ever into the offshore wind supply chain, identifying the highest-value components and services which the UK should focus on to get the biggest economic bang for our buck from future wind farm development. For example, it shows that the UK will need three hundred giant turbine towers every year for offshore wind projects between now and 2030 to deliver Government targets. The plan charts a clear course for us to ensure that we seize that massive economic opportunity and maximise our opportunities to manufacture those towers here, along with more blades, cables, foundations and a whole range of other products. 

“By using this as a blueprint to work closely with all our partners in the sector, we can triple the size of that supply chain, ramp up our offshore wind capacity significantly and secure a huge increase in jobs, all within the next ten years.” 

Read more on the Crown Estate’s news release here.