The ‘UK-US Floating Offshore Wind Supply Chain Innovation Bilateral (FLOWB)’ program is a collaborative effort between Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, Innovate UK, and US partners including the University of Maine and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). This initiative aims to support UK companies in developing exportable technologies by partnering them with floating wind platform developers in the US, with access to a funding pool of up to £1.5 million.
Through a competitive selection process, up to five companies will be chosen to receive grants ranging from £300,000 to £500,000, along with tailored technical support from ORE Catapult over an 18-month period. Selected firms will collaborate closely with US partners to either develop new technologies or adapt existing ones suitable for testing and demonstration projects.
Dr. Stephen Wyatt, Director of Strategy and Emerging Technologies at ORE Catapult, highlighted the significance of this opportunity for UK companies to engage with US counterparts in the floating offshore wind sector. He emphasized the potential for mutual learning and leveraging the UK’s early experience in the floating supply chain.
Roger Townsend, Innovation Lead – Energy at Innovate UK, emphasized the importance of innovation and international collaboration in meeting ambitious decarbonization targets in the US offshore wind market. He underscored the role of UK innovators and supply chain partners in contributing to the sector’s development and enhancing UK export opportunities.
Dr. Anthony Viselli from the University of Maine expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with UK supply chain partners through ORE Catapult. He noted the university’s expertise in concrete floating wind foundation technology and its readiness to develop cost-effective solutions for developers in both the US and UK.
Overall, the FLOWB program represents a significant step towards fostering transatlantic collaboration in the offshore wind industry, driving innovation, and positioning UK companies for international growth in renewable energy markets.
