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UK Creates Deepwater Wind Funding Route
Coverage from reNews, Energy Voice, and others
The UK is creating a policy route for other deepwater offshore wind, covering hybrid foundations that operate beyond conventional fixed-bottom limits but do not use fully floating systems.
The technology is being considered for inclusion alongside floating wind in Allocation Round 8, while industry and ORE Catapult argue that distinct technical maturity, cost, and testing requirements need careful treatment. The outcome could affect how the UK accesses deeper seabed areas, supports domestic manufacturing, and balances emerging hybrid projects against more mature floating wind proposals.
The story has sharpened from a broad deepwater auction redesign into a more specific policy choice: DESNZ is now setting a distinct deepwater route for hybrid foundations, while deciding how they should compete against floating wind in AR8. The emphasis has also shifted toward technical readiness and industrial implications, especially the need for testing, standards, and manufacturing capability.