Eleven South Wales businesses have been selected for the Fit For Offshore Renewables (F4OR) programme as they target opportunities in the UK’s growing offshore wind market.
Delivered by the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, the F4OR initiative supports companies seeking to enter or expand within the offshore renewables sector, including those transitioning from oil and gas.
This third Welsh F4OR round focuses on firms in the Swansea Bay region and is jointly funded by the Crown Estate and the Swansea Bay City Deal Skills and Talent Programme. The partnership includes four local authorities – Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea – alongside Swansea University, the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and other regional partners.
F4OR programme manager Dr Davood Sabaei said: “As we look to grow and expand the roll out of offshore wind in the years to come, it’s vital that we help UK businesses develop the opportunities to tap into the economic potential this can bring.
“Our partnership with The Crown Estate and the Swansea Bay City Deal perfectly positions us to offer talented, ambitious companies the chance to become part of the UK’s world-class supply chain. Successful completion of the F4OR programme will equip these businesses with the right combination of skills, expertise and leadership to capitalise on immense opportunities to win business, helping to create jobs and boost economic benefit in the region.”
The Celtic Sea is expected to play a major role in the UK’s net zero journey, with up to 4.5GW of floating wind set to be delivered through the Crown Estate’s Offshore Wind Leasing Round 5. The round could support around 5300 new jobs and contribute £1.4bn to the UK economy.
Rebecca Williams, director of devolved nations at the Crown Estate, said: “It’s fantastic to work in partnership with ORE Catapult and the Swansea Bay City Deal to support these ambitious businesses across South Wales. The Celtic Sea is set to play a vital role in the continuation of the UK’s exciting offshore wind story and we’re eager to see these businesses make the most of the many opportunities presented by the deployment of floating offshore wind technology – supporting jobs, skills and a thriving supply chain in Wales.”
Jane Lewis, regional learning and skills partnership manager at Carmarthenshire County Council, added: “This marks a truly thrilling moment for businesses throughout the region, as they stand poised to lead the charge into an era of fresh opportunity. By nurturing new skills and building a future-ready workforce, local companies can play a pivotal role in shaping the green energy landscape and ensuring South Wales is acknowledged as an area of industry transformation.”