The funding will support the production of turbines, floating platforms, high-voltage cables and emerging technologies, as well as upgrades to key port infrastructure in places such as Leith, Teesside, Great Yarmouth and Port Talbot.

The government hopes the investment will lead to thousands of new jobs, boost growth in coastal and industrial communities, and contribute to efforts to build a more self-reliant and low-carbon energy system.

The funding includes:

• £300mn announced by Great British Energy in April, which provides upfront public investment to attract private sector funding into Britain’s industrial regions
• £400mn from The Crown Estate, focusing on new infrastructure including ports, supply chain manufacturing, and research and testing facilities
• £300mn from the offshore wind industry, to match government contributions through the Industrial Growth Plan, supporting new investments into advanced turbine technologies, foundations and substructures.

Drawing on the new investment powers conferred by the Crown Estate Act 2025, The Crown Estate says it will make its capital available through two targeted programmes, including the new £350mn Supply Chain Investment Programme to invest in the construction of new port and supply chain infrastructure, and the £50mn Supply Chain Accelerator initiative which supports early-stage project development, and is currently running its second funding round.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband comments: ‘This is an unprecedented collaboration between public and private investors with Great British Energy crowding in millions of private sector investment from industry and The Crown Estate, to ensure that British companies and workers win the global race for clean energy.’

‘We are witnessing the coming of age of Britain’s green industrial revolution as we build this new era of clean energy abundance, helping deliver new jobs, energy security and lower household bills through our Plan for Change.’

According to RenewableUK, the plan could create an additional 10,000 jobs by 2035 and boost the UK economy by £25bn.

The government will also allocate up to £544mn from its Clean Industry Bonus, incentivising offshore wind developers to invest in Britain’s most deprived communities and in cleaner supply chains.

This bonus will benefit developers operating in regions like Scotland, the Northeast and East Anglia. Subject to this year’s renewables auction outcome, industry estimates suggest the programme could support up to 14,000 jobs and attract up to £9bn in private funding over the next four years. For every £1 spent, the bonus is projected to crowd in £17 of private investment.

Wind industry backs revamped Pathfinder

In other news, the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) has relaunched the Energy Pathfinder portal, with backing from Scottish Renewables and RenewableUK.  

Pathfinder, which is also being supported by the Offshore Wind Industry Council and the Scottish Offshore Wind Energy Council, aims to offer a clearer picture of upcoming work both onshore and in the North Sea, enabling companies to invest in skills and technologies with confidence and ensure that resources are available when needed.

Originally launched in 2010 to help offshore service companies target opportunities for work on oil and gas field developments, Pathfinder has expanded in recent years and now also hosts details of well decommissioning campaigns, operations and maintenance programmes and increasing numbers of energy transition projects, including carbon storage.

Pathfinder also currently hosts information for more than 20 offshore wind projects, which are categorised as floating or fixed-bottom, with more specific information about these technologies and their associated contracts now included.