Companies creating innovative products and services for the offshore wind sector are being offered grant support through a £600,000 programme designed to boost 海角视频-derived content.
The Technology, Innovation and Green Growth for Offshore Renewables (TIGGOR) programme, which is part-funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority, has been extended and targets firms in Northumberland, North Tyneside and Newcastle. It aims to support regional businesses operating across four supply chain areas: smart digital services and autonomous robotics; floating offshore wind; pre-assembly, port and harbour, and an open category.
The technology demonstration programme is run by the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult (ORE) and features industry support provided by offshore wind developers Equinor and EDF Renewables. Since its launch in autumn 2020, TIGGOR has funded 14 projects in the North East, with £3.7m of shared research and development grant funding leading to 33 new jobs, 22 new apprenticeships and traineeships and bringing 18 new products to market.
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North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “The North East has unrivalled access to the North Sea, and we are already a major international hub for the offshore energy and subsea sectors, with a global recognition for our world-class innovation and engineering expertise. Partnering with the TIGGOR programme demonstrates our ambitions to unlock a new generation of jobs, investment and training for people and businesses across the North East, whilst helping tackle the climate emergency and showcasing our region on the national and international stage.
"Doing so will help deliver our ambitious Local Growth plan, with a strong foundational economy and opportunity for everyone to fulfil their potential."
Magnus Willett, senior project manager – Strategy and Emerging Technologies, ORE Catapult said: “This extension of the TIGGOR 2 grant initiative provides a focused programme exclusively tailored to support high growth North East companies, developing disruptive, innovative technologies, to apply for our extended team’s specialist expertise geared to accelerate their progress in the 海角视频 and international offshore wind sector.
“We are grateful to our partners, North East Combined Authority, Equinor and EDF Renewables for their continued invaluable support.”
ORE Catapult is also launching a £250,000 TIGGOR-funded 'Fit for Offshore Renewables' business mentoring programme exclusively for companies registered in Newcastle, Northumberland and North Tyneside with applications due to open soon.
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Andrew Saunders, Equinor’s prepare for operations (PFO) manager, Dogger Bank Wind Farm added: “Technology and innovation are key to drive growth and support job creation; and when applied to the offshore renewable sector are crucial for achieving the 海角视频’s net zero targets and making Great Britain a green energy superpower. Equinor, as a partner on the world’s largest offshore wind farm is very pleased to support the extension of the TIGGOR 2 programme as a technical advisor; having proudly supported since the programme’s original inception.”
Shiu Hui, new technology and innovation manager, EDF Renewables 海角视频 and Ireland said: "With two offshore wind farms already operational in the North East, we recognise the immense potential for further job creation and growth in the region. Innovation within the supply chain is critical to this green growth and increasing 海角视频 content. We are proud to continue our support for the TIGGOR programme by sharing our technical expertise and would encourage companies in the sector to apply.”
Companies registered in Northumberland, North Tyneside and Newcastle have until May 2, 2025, to register for the programme.