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 2 million t of castings and forgings will be required across the UK offshore wind pipeline between 2026 – 2050. This represents total market demand of approximately £36 billion and could support around 10 800 jobs annually by 2050.
Using the IGP’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 CMF, 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 OWGP, 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.
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