The funds are allotted for developing ports and manufacturing facilities within supply chains, and research and testing sites.
The investment will focus on developing key infrastructure, including ports, manufacturing facilities, and research and testing sites, to address capacity limitations and support the expansion of offshore wind projects. Enabled by the Crown Estate Act 2025, which received Royal Assent in March, the organization is deploying funds through two programs, both operational as of June 2025.
A £350 million supply chain investment program will prioritize port construction and related infrastructure to accelerate offshore wind project delivery. The Crown Estate plans to collaborate with public and private partners, including Great British Energy and the National Wealth Fund, to maximize the initiative’s impact and efficiency.
Ben Brinded, head of investment at the Crown Estate, emphasized the importance of collaboration: “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.”
Additionally, a £50 million supply chain accelerator program will support early-stage projects. In December 2024, nearly £5 million was distributed to 13 organizations. A second funding round, open until June 27, 2025, offers up to £15 million and now includes UK ports and related infrastructure.
Juergen Maier, chair of Great British Energy, highlighted the sector’s potential: “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 plans to enhance the capacity of existing offshore wind lease areas, further supporting the UK’s transition to sustainable energy.
