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UK Castings & Forgings Bill of Works
Published by Offshore Wind Growth Partnership and Cast Metals Federation
The UK's offshore wind pipeline will require more than two million tonnes of castings and forgings between 2026 and 2050.
Yet much of this demand is currently met through global supply chains.
Commissioned by the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership and the Cast Metals Federation, the UK Castings & Forgings Bill of Works provides the first detailed assessment of offshore wind demand for cast and forged components alongside a comprehensive review of UK capability.
The report identifies where UK manufacturers are already supplying the sector, where existing capability could unlock growth opportunities, and where future investment could help secure greater UK content across offshore wind supply chains.
Key findings
More than 2 million tonnes of castings and forgings will be required across the UK offshore wind pipeline by 2050, representing a market worth approximately £36 billion.
Today, UK manufacturers operate in markets representing around 8% of demand, but existing capability could increase participation to approximately 14%, with strategic investment creating the potential to reach 37%.
That growth could unlock up to £14.6 billion in GVA and supporting around 637,000 jobs.
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A bigger role for UK manufacturing
The report showcases the strength of the UK's castings and forgings sector, including established offshore wind suppliers and businesses with the capabilities across castings, forgings, specialist steels, cable infrastructure and future turbine component production to expand into new markets.
It analyses 63 individual cast and forged components used across offshore wind projects, including turbines, foundations, cables, substations and floating wind mooring systems looking at:
- Current UK activity in fasteners, cable protection systems, sacrificial anodes and specialist cast components.
- Existing capability that could be deployed into smaller turbine castings, electrical systems, mooring components and other offshore wind applications.
- Future opportunities requiring targeted investment, including forged rings, hub castings, nacelle structures and drivetrain components.
- Regional economic impact
Growth in UK castings and forgings capability could create substantial opportunities in manufacturing regions including the West Midlands, South Yorkshire, the North East, Scotland and Wales, supporting regional growth and industrial regeneration.
Aligned with industrial strategy
The offshore wind sector's Industrial Growth Plan identified the areas where the UK has the greatest opportunity to build competitive domestic supply chains. This report provides the evidence base showing how castings and forgings can support those ambitions.
The findings highlight strong alignment between UK manufacturing capabilities and priority Industrial Growth Plan areas including advanced turbine technology, deepwater foundations, floating offshore wind, electrical systems, moorings and future drivetrain manufacturing.
Most importantly, the report demonstrates that the UK is not starting from scratch. UK foundries and forgers are already supplying offshore wind today, providing a platform for future growth, investment and greater UK content across the sector.
Who should read this report?
This report is essential reading for:
- UK foundries, forgers and wider supply chain manufacturers
- Offshore wind developers and OEMs
- Tier 1 suppliers
- Investors and funders
- UK Government and devolved administrations
- Regional growth and economic development bodies
- Industry organisations and policymakers
Whether you are assessing investment opportunities, seeking UK suppliers, planning future manufacturing capability or shaping industrial policy, the report provides valuable evidence on the scale of the opportunity and the actions needed to capture it.
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