The North East Offshore Wind Innovation and Demonstration (NEOWIND) programme has been launched, injecting £4.5 million into the region's renewable energy sector over three years. The initiative, funded by the North East Mayor and delivered by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult in Blyth, aims to support innovative offshore wind companies across Northumberland, North Tyneside, Newcastle upon Tyne, South Tyneside, Gateshead, Sunderland, and County Durham.
First Funding Round Opens
The first competitive funding launch is now live, with up to £2.1 million available for pioneering offshore wind technology developers to bid for. The programme will run until March 2029, backed by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness.
Andrew Macdonald, director of business development at ORE Catapult, said: “NEOWIND capitalises on the success and ambition of North East England, providing more funding for companies that are developing technologies paving the way to Clean Power, and delivering local economic benefit.” He added that ORE Catapult experts will provide technical support and connect companies with industry end users to accelerate commercialisation.
Regional Strengths and Industry Support
The North East already hosts a cluster of over 50 supply chain businesses in offshore engineering, manufacturing, subsea technology, and consultancy, including Osbit, Kinewell Energy, TechnipFMC, DeepOcean, Royal IHC, and JDR Cables. Major wind farm projects like Dogger Bank and the upcoming Offshore Wind Leasing Round 6 in the North Sea drive demand for innovation.
Mayor Kim McGuinness stated: “The North East has the skills, expertise and ambition to lead the green energy revolution. NEOWIND will help local businesses bring new technologies to market, creating jobs and bringing investment into our region.” She emphasised that the transition to clean energy must deliver real benefits for local people.
Industry Leaders Endorse Programme
NEOWIND is sponsored by Equinor and Morven Offshore Wind Farm. Andrew Saunders, operational readiness manager at Dogger Bank Offshore Wind Farm (Equinor), highlighted the success of the previous TIGGOR programme in North Tyneside, which generated jobs, apprenticeships, and business growth. He expressed anticipation for “even greater successes over the wider North East region now accessible to NEOWIND applicants.”
Tom Hudson, project director at Morven Offshore Wind Ltd, said: “Innovation is critical to delivering offshore wind at the scale and pace needed to meet the UK’s energy ambitions. With its strong industrial heritage and world-class engineering expertise, the North East is well placed to drive the next wave of offshore wind advancements.”
Regional Potential
Earlier this year, leaders at the North East Combined Authority noted that the area off the North East Coast could provide up to 50% of the UK's electricity when fully developed. The NEOWIND programme aims to capitalise on this potential by fostering a strong ecosystem for growth and success in offshore renewable technologies.
