The Crown Estate launches second round of the Supply Chain Accelerator
The Crown Estate’s Supply Chain Accelerator – a £50 million fund that was launched last year to help catalyse UK supply chain capacity and capability for offshore wind.
Following the success of the first round in 2024, where nearly £5 million was awarded to 13 organisations, The Crown Estate have now launched an expanded second round with even greater opportunity. The size of the second funding round has increased to £15 million, with each successful applicant able to access up to £1.5 million of matched funding for UK projects that support the deployment of Offshore Wind.
Whilst the first round of the Supply Chain Accelerator was aimed at projects supporting the development of floating offshore wind, the second round is available to projects facilitating the deployment of both fixed and floating offshore wind.
In this round, The Crown Estate will consider projects or facilities that support the manufacturing, fabrication and late-stage testing of fixed and floating offshore wind components, aligned with the priorities identified in the Industrial Growth Plan.
Ports which can support offshore wind (including through wet storage and the fabrication of operations & maintenance vessels) are also included within the scope, given the role that ports can play as important hubs for the construction, operation and maintenance of offshore wind farms.
Application window now open
Businesses can apply for up to £1.5 million per eligible project, with The Crown Estate providing 50% match funding for early-stage development expenditure. The Crown Estate will also look for the option to participate in the capital investment phase.
The application window will close on Friday 27 June 2025. Successful projects will be announced before the end of the year following assessment of applications, negotiation of funding and commitment agreements and necessary approvals.
Application process
To apply, create an account on the online application portal by clicking the ‘register your interest’ link below.
Register your interest
A series of webinars will be hosted over the next couple of months, where you can find out more information.
11 April, 10am-11am: Information on eligibility criteria and application process.
24 April, 10am-11am: Repeat of webinar on 11 April.
1 May, 10am-11am: An opportunity to outline the funding and commitment agreements and to answer questions about the application process.
15 May, 10am-11am: Repeat of webinar on 1 May.
12 June, 10am-11am: Final webinar providing further opportunity to ask questions.
If you have a question or to register for a webinar, contact accelerator@thecrownestate.co.uk.
