Secretary of State Chris Huhne announced the grants, totalling £10 million in a speech at the launch of the International Energy Agency’s Energy Technology Perspective report. As part of the awards, £5 million of grants will go to 7 UK companies, with the aim of increasing the UK supply chain for offshore wind.
A £5 million grant for Siemens Windpower, applied for under a previous round of funding was also confirmed today. Siemens will use the money to develop a next-generation 6MW offshore turbine with an integrated foundation design in the UK.
In today's announcement:
- JDR Cable Systems Ltd - Hartlepool [High Voltage Export & array cables for distribution of power from next generation, multi Megawatt turbines] were awarded £2,000,000;
- Cooper Rolling Bearings – Kings Lynn Norfolk [Develop and demonstrate the use of split bearing technology in large scale wind application] were awarded £256,250;
- South Boats Special Projects Ltd – Isle of Wight [Modular design of offshore wind farm support vessels], £300,000;
- MTL Group – Sheffield [Develop mass manufacturing techniques for jacket and monopile sub-assemblies], £250,000;
- Blade Dynamics – Isle of Wight [Develop and demonstrate use of modular blade assembly], £400,000;
- NGentec – Edinburgh [Develop and demonstrate new innovative 6MW generator], £800,000;
- Converteam - Rugby [Large scale DC conversion technology], £1,000,000
RenewableUK welcomed today’s announcement: Gordon Edge, Director of Economics & Markets at said, “We are delighted that the importance and potential of the UK offshore wind sector has been recognised in this way, particularly in light of the current economic climate. This is an essential investment that will more than pay for itself in the short-term by way of job creation and the development of a strong UK supply chain. It sends a positive signal that the UK is serious about offshore wind.”