Pembrokeshire College is one of 13 organisations across England, Wales, and Scotland set to share nearly £5 million of funding
The money comes from the Crown Estate’s Supply Chain Accelerator, aimed at boosting early-stage development of UK supply chain projects that service the offshore wind sector.
A course preparing students for jobs in the renewable energy market was launched by the college in 2022.
The Crown Estate’s match funding will contribute to a combined development investment of more than £9 million, which, if successful, could lead to more than £400 million of capital investment.
Welsh projects receiving funding include those enabling floating wind platforms, operations and maintenance facilities, and those supporting the skills transition.
They are Marine Power Systems and Tugdock, as well as, subject to contracts, Neath Port Talbot Group of Colleges and Pembrokeshire College.
The Crown Estate’s Celtic Sea Blueprint, published earlier this year, predicted 5,300 jobs and a £1.4 billion economic boost could be generated through deploying the first floating offshore wind capacity in the waters off South Wales and South West England.
The research highlighted several opportunities for supply chain development essential for the deployment of these floating wind farms.
Successful projects were evaluated and selected based on several criteria, including their ability to deliver on the requirements of the Celtic Sea Blueprint.
Ben Brinded, head of investment at the Crown Estate, said: “This is a significant moment for the Crown Estate as our first funding into the UK’s offshore wind supply chain, and I would like to congratulate the 13 organisations on their success.
“As outlined by the government’s emerging Industrial Strategy, in order for the UK to realise the economic benefits from the clean energy sector – and from offshore wind in particular – it is vital that there are mature, investable propositions which crowd in investments from both public and private capital.
“The Supply Chain Accelerator forms part of an active dialogue that we’re having with the offshore wind sector and with key stakeholders such as Great British Energy and others to identify and explore opportunities for the Crown Estate to make commercial and sustainable investments into the UK offshore wind supply chain.”
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens added: “This funding is an important boost as we build the local jobs and skills in South Wales needed to seize the golden opportunity of floating offshore wind.
“This cutting-edge technology can deliver cheaper energy bills but also create the jobs of the future.”