Eleven South Wales businesses have been chosen to join the Fit For Offshore Renewables (F4OR) programme, a supply chain support initiative designed to help companies succeed in the UK’s offshore wind sector. Delivered by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, F4OR supports firms seeking to enter the offshore renewable energy market, expand an existing presence, or transition from industries such as oil and gas.
This third Welsh F4OR programme is focused exclusively on companies in the Swansea Bay region. Funding is provided jointly by The Crown Estate and the Swansea Bay City Deal Skills and Talent Programme, a partnership led by Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire, and Swansea councils, alongside Swansea University, the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, and other regional partners.
Dr. Davood Sabaei, F4OR Programme Manager at ORE Catapult, highlighted the programme’s role in preparing businesses for growth: “As we look to grow and expand the roll out of offshore wind in the years to come, it’s vital that we help UK businesses develop the opportunities to tap into the economic potential this can bring. Successful completion of the F4OR programme will equip these businesses with the right combination of skills, expertise and leadership to capitalise on immense opportunities to win business, helping to create jobs and boost economic benefit in the region.”
The Celtic Sea is expected to be pivotal in the UK’s journey toward Net Zero, with up to 4.5GW of floating wind set to be delivered through The Crown Estate’s Offshore Wind Leasing Round 5. Rebecca Williams, Director of Devolved Nations at The Crown Estate, noted: “The Celtic Sea is set to play a vital role in the continuation of the UK’s exciting offshore wind story and we’re eager to see these businesses make the most of the many opportunities presented by the deployment of floating offshore wind technology – supporting jobs, skills and a thriving supply chain in Wales.”
Local authorities are optimistic about the programme’s impact on workforce development. Jane Lewis, Regional Learning and Skills Partnership Manager at Carmarthenshire County Council, said: “By nurturing new skills and building a future-ready workforce, local companies can play a pivotal role in shaping the green energy landscape and ensuring South Wales is acknowledged as an area of industry transformation.”