The Prime Minister has announced plans to support major new ports to create next-generation offshore wind turbines, alongside significantly increased ambition in renewable energy deployment.

The expected rapid deployment of offshore wind across the UK, Europe and globally over the next decade, together with the increasing size of turbines, means that there is a need for a major expansion in manufacturing capacity in the coming years.

The UK is a world leader in offshore wind, with a third of the global installed offshore wind capacity and a strong pipeline of new projects. The UK also has a strong industrial base in the sector, with ambitious and innovative manufacturers and a skilled engineering base - and is well placed to capitalise on the expected growth in offshore wind.

The scheme aims to accelerate the development of large scale manufacturing portside hubs, which could see financial support to strengthen the UK’s offshore wind manufacturing capability, creating employment and investment in both coastal communities and the wider supply chain.