The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult has launched a floating wind supply chain programme in Wales.
Fit 4 Offshore Renewables (F4OR) programme is designed to support local companies bidding for work in the floating offshore wind industry.
ORE Catapult is partnering with Floventis Energy, the developer of Llŷr 1 and 2 in the Celtic Sea, to deliver F4OR Wales that will give Welsh businesses the skills and expertise to deliver success in this rapidly growing sector.
Floventis Energy has committed up to £180,000 to ORE Catapult’s 12-18 month floating wind specific development programme along with unique access to the Llŷr development team, aimed at maximising the opportunities for Welsh companies in Llŷr and the forthcoming Celtic Sea Round 5 projects.
F4OR Wales will mark the first time that the F4OR programme has been tailored exclusively for the floating wind market.
Wales’ Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said: “The Welsh government is determined to ensure the economy and people of Wales benefit from the huge potential the offshore wind sector offers us.
“Improving the awareness of Welsh firms about what us required to do business in the offshore wind sector is vitally important.
“We want Welsh businesses to successfully bid for contracts, helping them create the new green jobs of the future.
“The F4OR programme provides insight into the sector’s requirements to allow them to do just that.”
F4OR Wales will be delivered in phases starting in 2024, with an initial cohort of three companies.
In additional to financial support, Floventis Energy will provide technical and market insight for participant companies in the F4OR programme.
Applications are encouraged from firms with more than ten employees and have a turnover greater than £1m, with products or skills that are relevant to the offshore wind sector.