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UK Castings & Forgings Bill of Works
The UK's offshore wind pipeline will require more than two million tonnes of castings and forgings between 2026 and 2050.
Published by the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership and the Cast Metals Federation
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 independent 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
2m+ tn
of castings and forgings will be required across the UK offshore wind pipeline by 2050
£36bn
market worth
8%
of demand currently represented by UK manufacturers
14%
participation existing capability
37%
potential participation with strategic investment
£14.6bn
GVA
26,000
new jobs
2m+ tn
of castings and forgings will be required across the UK offshore wind pipeline by 2050
£36bn
market worth
8%
of demand currently represented by UK manufacturers
14%
participation existing capability
37%
potential participation with strategic investment
£14.6bn
GVA
26,000
new jobs
2m+ tn
of castings and forgings will be required across the UK offshore wind pipeline by 2050
£36bn
market worth
8%
of demand currently represented by UK manufacturers
14%
participation existing capability
37%
potential participation with strategic investment
£14.6bn
GVA
26,000
new jobs
2m+ tn
of castings and forgings will be required across the UK offshore wind pipeline by 2050
£36bn
market worth
8%
of demand currently represented by UK manufacturers
14%
participation existing capability
37%
potential participation with strategic investment
£14.6bn
GVA
26,000
new jobs
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
Current UK activity in fasteners, cable protection systems, sacrificial anodes and specialist cast components.
Existing capability
Existing capability that could be deployed into smaller turbine castings, electrical systems, mooring components and other offshore wind applications.
Future opportunities
Future opportunities requiring targeted investment, including forged rings, hub castings, nacelle structures and drivetrain components.
Regional economic impact
Regional economic impact of the UK castings and forgings sector in the context of offshore wind with particular focus on areas like the West Midlands, South Yorkshire and the North East, as well as Scotland and Wales.
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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 forges 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
- Developers and OEMs operating across fixed and floating offshore wind
- 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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