Clean Energy Incentive Launched for UK Offshore Wind Developers

The UK government has introduced the Clean Industry Bonus to encourage offshore wind developers to invest in industrial communities, particularly those transitioning from oil and gas industries. The scheme aims to create skilled jobs in engineering, electrical work and welding while supporting the country’s clean energy objectives.

The scheme is open to UK-based organisations developing offshore wind projects and investing in sustainable supply chains. Eligible applicants include renewable energy firms, offshore wind developers and renewable infrastructure investors. Funding will be allocated through a competitive process, with successful applicants announced by the Energy Secretary in the summer.

The bonus is available to projects participating in Allocation Round 7 of the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, the government’s primary clean energy procurement mechanism. Fixed and floating offshore wind projects can apply if they commit to constructing low-carbon factories, offshore wind blades, cables and ports.

Funding will be awarded at an initial rate of £27 million per gigawatt of offshore wind projects. If developers commit to 7-8 GW of offshore wind, up to £200 million could be made available to support infrastructure development and industrial investment.