New report reveals £14.6 billion opportunity for UK castings and forgings in offshore wind

Landmark publication sets out how targeted investment could help UK manufacturers capture a greater share of offshore wind supply chains, unlocking up to £14.6 billion in value by 2050.

A major new report has set out a clear route for increasing UK participation in offshore wind castings and forgings supply chains, with the potential to generate up to £14.6 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) by 2050.

Published by the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP) and the Cast Metals Federation (CMF), the UK Castings & Forgings Bill of Works is the first comprehensive assessment of offshore wind demand for cast and forged components and the UK's capability to supply them.

The report finds that more than two million tonnes of castings and forgings will be required across the UK offshore wind pipeline between 2026 and 2050. This represents total market demand of approximately £36 billion and could support around 10,800 jobs annually by 2050.

Using the Industrial Growth Plan’s Make or Buy framework, the report estimates that UK manufacturers have, or could develop, the technical capability to supply components accounting for 37% of this demand by weight and generate £14.6 billion GVA by 2050, equivalent to 41% of the market by value.

The analysis demonstrates that UK manufacturers are already supplying products including offshore wind fasteners, sacrificial anodes and cable protection systems, but identifies significant opportunities to expand into additional component categories aligned with the sector's Industrial Growth Plan priorities.

Today, UK manufacturers operate in markets representing approximately 8% of total castings and forgings demand. The report concludes that existing capability could increase participation to 14%, while future investment in areas such as forged rings, hub castings and drivetrain components could increase capability to as much as 37% of overall demand.

Lee Marshall, Chief Executive of the Cast Metals Federation, said:

"This Bill of Works Report clearly sets out the scale of the opportunity for the UK foundry and forging industries to contribute significantly more to the offshore wind sector and demonstrates that the UK's foundries and forges have far more to offer the sector than is often recognised.

“This report shows that there is an achievable path to grow from the current 8% of market share supplied by the UK, to a possible 14%, and potentially to a staggering 37%, which would be worth over £14.6Bn to the UK economy. This is a huge opportunity, and UK foundries are ready to respond."

Anil Sayhan, Managing Director at the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership, added:

“Unlocking opportunity in the offshore wind sector starts with understanding the market. Castings and forgings are essential components turbines, foundations substations and balance of plant, yet until now there has been no detailed assessment of future demand alongside the UK’s capability to supply it.

“This Bill of Works provides that evidence. It offers government, developers, OEMs and suppliers a clear, component-level picture of where UK foundries and forgers have the capability to supply today, and where targeted investment could unlock even greater value.

“The findings speak for themselves: UK foundries and forgers are already supplying into offshore wind, and with the right support can capture significantly more. This evidence will help shape future programmes, investment priorities and industry engagement. We were delighted to collaborate with CMF on this study and to see the strong interest from CMF members in offshore wind opportunities.”

The report also highlights the upside achievable through exports. Companies such as Cooper Turner Beck, a fastener manufacturer, already supply into the global offshore wind market from their facilities in the UK. The report identifies similar opportunities linked to nacelle components, electrical systems, and floating offshore wind.

With many UK foundries and forgers located in regions including Yorkshire and the Humber, the West Midlands, the North East, Scotland and Wales, the report highlights a significant opportunity to drive regional growth, support high-value manufacturing jobs and strengthen UK supply chain resilience as offshore wind deployment accelerates.

The full UK Castings & Forgings Bill of Works report is available to download here.

Notes to Editors

For more information contact:

Rhianna Knight-McGrath, Marketing and Communications Manager at OWGP, rhianna.knight-mcgrath@owgp.org.uk 

About the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership

The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership is an independent, not-for-profit organisation working closely with industry to strengthen the UK’s offshore wind supply chain and boost its global competitiveness.

Established in 2019 by the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC), OWGP plays a central role in delivering the Industrial Growth Plan - turning ambition into practical action that supports long-term growth.

Through a combination of targeted funding, industry expertise and hands-on business support, we help companies move forward with confidence and at pace. Our programmes are designed to build a supply chain that is resilient, capable and ready to compete on the global stage.

Our vision is of a world-leading UK offshore wind supply chain that secures investment, skills and value at home, while exporting UK technology and expertise to global markets. Working in partnership with industry, we align our support with strategic priorities to maximise impact for both the UK economy and the offshore wind sector.

For more information, visit: https://owgp.org.uk/