Organisations active in supporting offshore wind
Several organisations provide useful resources to learn more about the offshore wind industry, including the following research organisations, trade associations and government departments:
UK
Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult (ORE Catapult)
The ORE Catapult is playing a leading role in stimulating innovation in offshore wind. It established the Floating Offshore Wind Centre of Excellence, a collaborative programme with industry and academic partners that aims to accelerate the development of floating offshore wind in the UK.
The ORE Catapult and the Floating Offshore Wind Centre of Excellence produce reports on floating offshore wind technology, supply chain and markets.
For more information visit https://ore.catapult.org.uk.
ORE Catapult, together with the Crown Estate, published a related document to this one called “Guide to a Floating Offshore Wind Farm” for floating offshore projects. For more information visit https://guidetofloatingoffshorewind.com/.
The Crown Estate
The Crown Estate manages the sea bed around England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It coordinates the offshore wind sea bed leasing rounds in these areas.
For more information visit https://www.thecrownestate.co.uk.
The Crown Estate Scotland
Crown Estate Scotland manages the sea bed around Scotland. It coordinates the offshore wind sea bed leasing rounds in Scotland.
For more information visit https://www.crownestatescotland.com.
RenewableUK
RenewableUK is the leading trade association representing offshore wind energy companies in the UK. Among its wide-ranging activities is its work on helping the industry meet its requirements for a skilled workforce.
For more information visit https://www.renewableuk.com.
Scottish Renewables
Scottish Renewables is the trade association that represents the renewable energy industries in Scotland.
For more information visit https://www.scottishrenewables.com.
Offshore Wind Growth Partnership
The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership is the UK’s flagship supply chain growth funding and business support organisation dedicated to offshore wind.
Its mission is to accelerate development of the UK’s offshore wind supply chain.
OWGP has been set up as an independent, not-for-profit organisation to support development of the offshore wind supply chain, helping to generate know-how, economic value, highly skilled jobs, and export income for UK businesses.
In December 2024, it was announced that OWGP is expanding its activities to take on the role of the Offshore Wind Industrial Growth Plan Delivery Body (“IGP Delivery Body”).
The IGP Delivery Body’s role and objectives are described in the Industrial Growth Plan (published in April 2024), available on the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) website.
For more information, visit: https://owgp.org.uk/
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)
DESNZ is the UK Government department responsible for facilitating the deployment of offshore wind and delivering the UK’s wider energy and net zero policies.
Further information is available at: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-energy-security-and-net-zero
Carbon Trust
The Carbon Trust is an organisation that advises businesses, governments and other organisations on sustainable technologies and issues. It runs the Floating Wind Joint Industry Project (Floating Wind JIP), a collaborative research and development initiative between leading offshore wind stakeholders to accelerate the development of floating offshore wind.
The Floating Wind JIP deliver projects and reports that aim to facilitate technology development and advance commercialisation of the floating offshore wind industry.
For more information visit https://www.carbontrust.com/our-projects/floating-wind-joint-industry-programme-jip.
Scottish Enterprise
Scottish Enterprise (SE) is Scotland’s national economic development agency and provides a range of services to businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations looking to grow, innovate, or invest in Scotland.
For more information visit: https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/
Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) work with businesses, communities and social enterprises across the
Highlands and Islands. HIE support businesses looking to locate into the region, and their support can include specialist advice across a range of key topics including innovation, R&D and improving productivity, as well as access to property, and funding.
South of Scotland Enterprise
South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) is the economic and community development agency for the South of Scotland. SOSE help businesses and enterprising communities throughout Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders to thrive, grow, and fulfil their best potential.
World Forum Offshore Wind (WFO)
The WFO is a collaborative organisation that represents the offshore wind industry. It consists of a range of different stakeholders.
For more information visit https://wfo-global.org/
InnoEnergy
InnoEnergy provides reports on innovation and future cost reduction, including in offshore wind.
For more information visit https://www.innoenergy.com/
The UK’s devolved administrations and a range of national and regional bodies are also active in stimulating the growth of the offshore wind industry.
G+
G+ is the global health and safety organisation for offshore wind.
For more information visit https://www.gplusoffshorewind.com/
BVG Associates
BVG Associates wrote the Guide to an Offshore Wind Farm on behalf of the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and The Crown Estate. BVG Associates is an independent strategy consultancy in offshore wind, helping organisations, large and small, newcomers and highly experienced, to succeed in a rapidly growing, dynamic market.
For more information visit https://www.bvgassociates.com
International
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
An intergovernmental organisation that supports countries on renewable energy transition. It focuses on advising on renewable energy policy, technology innovation, investment frameworks, and capacity building. IRENA produces reports, scenarios, and roadmaps, such as the World Energy Transitions Outlook and specific technology outlooks (including offshore wind). It also facilitates international cooperation and hosts platforms like the Collaborative Framework on Offshore Renewables.
Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC)
An international trade association representing the global wind energy sector. GWEC works on advocacy, policy engagement, market intelligence, and industry partnerships, aiming to promote wind power development globally. It produces annual reports (like the Global Offshore Wind Report), and plays a key role in connecting industry players, governments, and finance communities, especially in emerging markets.
World Bank Group (via ESMAP Offshore Wind Program)
A multilateral development institution that supports offshore wind through the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP). The program provides early-stage technical assistance, regulatory and policy support, market assessments, and financial planning to help de-risk offshore wind investment in developing countries. It has delivered detailed roadmaps and strategic planning for countries such as Vietnam, Brazil, Romania, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Colombia, and the Philippines. It also works to mobilise private investment and supports capacity development.
International Energy Agency (IEA)
An intergovernmental organisation providing policy advice, data, and analysis on global energy systems. It conducts in-depth energy technology and policy reviews, including on offshore wind, and runs Technology Collaboration Programmes (TCPs) that bring together experts to share best practices and advance innovation. IEA publishes reports such as the Offshore Wind Outlook and tracks market trends, system integration challenges, and cost trajectories. It has also emphasised the role of offshore wind in achieving net-zero emissions goals.
Scottish Development International (SDI)
Scottish Development International promotes Scotland as a place for investment and trade by providing information, partnering with businesses and investors that want to set up or invest in Scotland, and helping businesses find the connections they need.