The UK government has more than doubled its Clean Industry Bonus—from £200 million to £544 million—following an overwhelming number of bids from the offshore wind sector. This surge reflects strong industry backing for the government’s goal of becoming a clean energy superpower by 2030. 736x5o

The Clean Industry Bonus will reward offshore wind developers that commit to investing in the UK’s most economically challenged areas or in greener supply chains. This includes traditional oil and gas regions, ex-industrial zones, ports, and coastal communities. The increased funding aims to new factories, upgraded infrastructure, and highly skilled jobs like engineers and welders, helping the UK transition to a low-carbon economy.

Billions in private investment expected for UK’s industrial heartlands 316s2s

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband highlighted the initiative as a key part of the government’s “Plan for Change,” stating:
“Industry has backed our clean energy mission, and we are helping them deliver it. This is the muscular industrial policy Britain needs to transform the fortunes of industrial towns and cities.”

Analysts estimate that every £1 of public funding through the Clean Industry Bonus could unlock up to £17 of private investment, funnelling billions into regions that need it most. The move comes shortly after the Prime Minister announced a separate £300 million investment to attract offshore wind manufacturers to the UK, aiming to leverage £9.3 billion in private sector investment over the next four years.

Industry leaders have welcomed the announcement. Claire Mack, CEO of Scottish Renewables, said the funding demonstrates “that clean energy offers a strong return on investment for the country,” while Ana Musat of RenewableUK noted the potential for “billions in private investment and thousands of jobs in coastal communities.”

Applications for the Clean Industry Bonus are now closed, with winners expected to be announced following the final budget review in May. The Bonus is seen as a foundation for a broader Industrial Strategy to be revealed this summer, with hopes for additional policies to UK port expansion and offshore wind manufacturing.