FLOWMIS funding not fully addressed, says BPA

In response to industry feedback, the government has confirmed it will reprofile the Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Scheme (FLOWMIS) budget. £70m will now be available in 2024/25 and £90m will be available in 2025/26.

The BPA, which represents the interests of more than 400 ports, broadly welcomed the news but says the issue of extra funding has not been properly addressed.

“Whilst we certainly appreciate the government’s recognition that ports need more time to prepare and deliver projects, unfortunately this news doesn’t address the need for further funding and if anything it limits what government will actually be able to award the sector over the next few years,” said Richard Ballantyne, BPA’s chief executive.

“Offshore wind opportunities are vast however our ports are in a ‘chicken and egg’ situation waiting for various announcements on public funding decisions as well as on leasing awards. The ports industry is going to at the forefront of the rollout of FLOW by providing the land-side interface that offshore wind installations will require but we do need a bit more from policymakers to make it happen.

“There are definitely some further discussions to be had on additional funding and planning easements to meet the very ambitious expected offshore wind targets and timescales.”