Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) has welcomed the announcement of a £1billion investment into the UK’s offshore wind supply chains, announced by the UK Government and Great British Energy on Tuesday 17 June, in partnership with The Crown Estate.
This investment aims to back British manufacturing, innovation and infrastructure, from turbines and floating platforms to HVDC cables and port upgrades. The funding forms part of the UK’s wider Industrial Strategy and aims to unlock thousands of new skilled, well-paid jobs while accelerating growth in offshore wind and clean energy technologies.
It includes £300million from Great British Energy to unlock private investment in industrial regions, £400million from The Crown Estate for supply chain manufacturing, port infrastructure and innovation, and £300million in match funding from the offshore wind industry via the Industrial Growth Plan.
In parallel, the UK Government has also committed up to £544million from its Clean Industry Bonus to incentivise developers to invest in cleaner supply chains and deliver community benefits in regions such as Scotland, North-East England, and East Anglia. Industry estimates suggest this could support up to 14,000 jobs and draw in £9billion of private investment over the next four years.
AREG Chairperson Jean Morrison, MBE said: “This investment brings a major opportunity for Aberdeen and surrounding areas to harness our deep energy expertise, attract supply chain growth, and secure a leading role in delivering the UK’s clean energy ambitions. With funding committed to manufacturing, infrastructure and innovation, the potential to unlock new jobs, local capability, and long-term economic benefit is promising.”
She continued “With over 260 member organisations across the energy sector, AREG are committed to ensuring this investment translates into real impact across our region, strengthening local supply chains, developing skills and supporting a just and sustainable energy transition.”
AREG continues to champion collaborative working between industry, government and developers, and will work closely with partners to ensure that businesses in Aberdeen and across the North-east are positioned to capitalise on the opportunities created by this announcement.