UK announces two offshore wind investments worth US $249m

The UK government announced its support for two offshore wind manufacturers that will invest more than GBP 180 million (US $249m)in the North-East of England and the Humber.

“On top of their own private investment, offshore wind manufacturers SeAH Wind Ltd and Smulders Projects UK will each receive grant funding out of the £160 million Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Support scheme, announced by the Prime Minister last year as part of his Ten Point Plan to build factories that will develop components for next generation wind turbines,” said the statement on Wednesday.

Located on the Humber and at Wallsend in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the 2 manufacturers will substantially boost the UK’s offshore wind manufacturing base to produce in the UK,  as well as for export around the world, said the government.

SeAH Wind Ltd will receive funding towards a new £117 million (US $162 million) and monopile foundation factory at the Able Marine Energy Park on the Humber.

Smulders Projects UK will receive funding towards a £70 million (US $ 97million) investment in new equipment and infrastructure to enable the manufacture of offshore wind turbine transition pieces at their existing site in Wallsend, Newcastle.