UK’s Crown Estate to invest £400m in offshore wind supply chain

The UK’s Crown Estate has announced plans to invest up to £400m ($462m) to bolster the country’s offshore wind supply chain.

The strategic investment aims to address current capacity constraints to accelerate clean energy deployment nationwide while creating growth opportunities within local communities.

The funds are earmarked for developing infrastructure such as ports, supply chain manufacturing and research, and testing sites essential for expanding offshore wind capabilities.

Leveraging the new investment powers granted by the Crown Estate Act 2025, which received Royal Assent in March, the organisation will allocate its capital through two targeted programmes, both of which are now operational.

A newly established £350m supply chain investment programme will concentrate on constructing port and related infrastructure, aimed at accelerating the delivery of offshore wind projects in the UK.

The Crown Estate intends to coordinate efforts with private and public entities such as Great British Energy and the National Wealth Fund to maximise impact and efficiency.

The Crown Estate head of investment Ben Brinded stated: “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.”

The Crown Estate will also invest £50m through the supply chain accelerator programme focused on early-stage project support. Almost £5m was allocated across 13 organisations in December 2024.

The ongoing second funding round is seeking proposals until 27 June 2025, with up to £15m available for allocation. This round extends eligibility to include UK ports and associated infrastructures.

Juergen Maier, the chair of Great British Energy, stated: “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.”

In May 2025, the Crown Estate announced its intention to progress with the capacity enhancement initiative, which seeks to maximise the potential of existing offshore wind lease areas.