In a boost for the UK’s offshore wind sector, The Crown Estate has today outlined its proposal to invest up to £400m of capital in the supply chain.
Launched in time for the first day of the Global Offshore Wind conference in London, The Crown Estate’s new Powering Offshore Wind publication details its proposal to focus on supportive investments into new onshore enabling infrastructure over the medium term.
These investments are intended to support the construction of new infrastructure, including ports, supply chain manufacturing, and research and testing facilities, to enable the deployment of offshore wind across the UK.
Insufficient supply chain capacity is recognised as a key constraint to further offshore wind deployment. Investing in and building this enabling infrastructure will allow the UK to drive forward its clean energy transition and create growth opportunities within local communities.
Drawing on the new investment powers conferred by the Crown Estate Act 2025 which received Royal Assent in March, the organisation will make its capital available through two targeted programmes, both of which are now live.
A new £350m Supply Chain Investment Programme is being established to invest in the construction of new port and supply chain infrastructure that will support accelerated delivery of UK offshore wind projects.
To ensure that its investments are effective and impactful, The Crown Estate will work in coordination with organisations from the private and public sector, including Great British Energy and the National Wealth Fund.
In addition, The Crown Estate’s £50m Supply Chain Accelerator supports early-stage project development and is currently running its second funding round, having awarded nearly £5m to 13 organisations in December 2024.
The second round is seeking to award up to £15m and has an expanded scope to include UK ports and port-related infrastructure. It closes to applications on Friday 27 June 2025.
Both programmes will support the creation of financial, environmental and social value through stringent investment criteria.
The Crown Estate’s head of investment Ben Brinded said: “We will not unlock the full economic, social and environmental benefits of offshore wind without collaboration and investment into the UK supply chain.
“Building out enabling infrastructure is critical if we are to accelerate deployment off our coasts, derisk projects for investors and create local economic opportunities.
“The Crown Estate’s proposal to invest up to £400m in the offshore wind supply chain through two targeted programmes is recognition of offshore wind’s vital role in the UK’s clean energy transition and the many wider benefits it creates.”
Great British Energy chair Juergen Maier added: “The UK is a leader in offshore wind, which we know creates jobs, growth, and innovation.
“Only by working with our partners will we be able to find the scale to unlock the benefits for the UK and reach our goal of clean power by 2030.”