The North Sea is an ideal hub for offshore wind energy, and it is well-suited for wind power due to its shallow depths and favorable wind conditions. It is home to the world's largest offshore wind farm, Dogger Bank wind farm. It acts as a hub-and-spoke model of energy distribution among North Sea countries, including Great Britain, Denmark, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France.

The North Sea has over 50 wind farms with a combined capacity exceeding 100 GW, and additional projects are currently under construction. Across Europe, eleven countries have already made significant strides in installing offshore wind farms, with the North Sea leading the way. This sector is balanced for growth as Europe sets its sights on achieving 300 GW offshore wind capacity by 2050.

The future of offshore wind energy in the North Sea is surging, with numerous upcoming projects driving the growth. These projects aim to create jobs, provide clean energy, and mitigate global warming. Here, we explore the top seven upcoming offshore wind farms in the North Sea that will shape the future of sustainable energy in the region.

List of Top 7 Upcoming Offshore Wind Farms in the North Sea Region - Based on Capacity

Nordsøen 1 wind farm

Nordsøen 1 is part of Denmark's initiative to expand its renewable energy capacity. With a substantial nameplate capacity of 5000 MW, the project is planned to be commissioned in 2030. The wind farm will span approximately 2,210 km² in the Danish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the North Sea, strategically located at least 20 km from the Danish coast.

Nordsøen 1 location map

The Danish Energy Agency (DEA) has initiated the strategic environmental assessment (SEA) for Nordsøen 1, alongside other projects like Kattegat II and Kriegers Flak II. This SEA comprehensively evaluates the project's potential environmental impacts, including their effects on marine life, bird populations, and the local ecosystem. The offshore wind project aligns with Denmark's Climate Agreement on green electricity and heat, aiming to tender at least 4 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, with an additional 2 GW from subsequent agreements, including the Energy Island Bornholm expansion. 

Nordsøen 1 is expected to be developed in multiple phases, with the first phase including several wind farms to meet the 2030 commissioning deadline.  The offshore wind turbines will connect to high-voltage power stations in Idomlund and Endrup via offshore export cables. 

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Berwick Bank wind farm

Berwick Bank Wind Farm is a 4100 MW offshore windfarm project by SSE Renewables off the coast of Scotland in the North Sea. The wind farm will generate enough offshore renewable energy to power over six million homes—more than twice the number of households in Scotland. The offshore wind farm is strategically located in the North Sea, off the coast of East Lothian, about 39.2 km from the Scottish coast. This location was chosen for its optimal wind conditions and accessibility, demonstrating the project's consideration of geographical factors.

Berwick offshore wind location map

The planning and development of Berwick Bank Wind Farm are advanced, with the project securing grid connections at Branxton in East Lothian and Blyth in Northumberland. This initiative aligns with the Scottish Government's goal of delivering 11 GW of new offshore wind capacity by 2030. The offshore wind development plan includes the installation of up to 307 wind turbines across an area of approximately 1,314 km².

The wind farm is expected to avoid eight million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, equivalent to removing all of Scotland's car emissions. The project's construction is set to begin between 2024 and 2026, and it is expected to generate its first green energy by 2027. The full completion of this offshore wind is expected to be completed in 2030.

Thybo 1 Offshore wind farm

Thybo 1 Offshore Wind Farm is an announced renewable energy project in Denmark with a planned capacity of 4,000 MW. Thybo 1 is located in the North Sea, off the coast of Nordjylland, and the project is currently in the dormant phase but is expected to commence construction in 2025. 

Source: windeurope.org (representation image)

The project is being developed by TotalEnergies and is set to be operational in 2029. The offshore wind is planned to be developed in a single phase, utilizing the advantageous wind conditions in the North Sea to generate clean electricity. 

Ossian offshore wind farm

The Ossian Offshore Wind Farm is a joint venture between SSE Renewables, Marubeni Corporation, and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP). The wind farm is located approximately 84 kilometers off the Angus coast of Scotland in the North Sea, with an anticipated capacity of up to 3.6 GW. This collaborative approach enhances the project's potential and strengthens the sector's overall resilience and growth. 

Ossian is set to power nearly 6 million homes annually and offset up to 7.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions yearly. The farm will feature up to 270 wind turbines, each with a maximum rotor diameter of 350 meters and supported by floating substructures moored securely to the seabed.

Ossian's infrastructure will include multiple Offshore Substation Platforms (OSPs) that convert electricity to higher voltages for efficient transmission to shore. These OSPs, along with an extensive network of inter-array and interconnector cables, will facilitate the transfer of power generated by the wind turbines. 

Read: Top Seven Upcoming Offshore Wind Farm Power Projects in the World

The development stage involves comprehensive environmental and engineering surveys, with contractors such as RPS leading the Offshore Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and HiDef Aerial Surveying conducting digital aerial surveys over the array area. Fugro and Ocean Infinity are conducting geotechnical investigations, employing advanced drilling and seabed testing techniques to ensure optimal site conditions for deploying the farm. These assessments are designed to ensure that the projects have minimal environmental impact and are in line with the sustainability goals of the renewable energy sector.

MarramWind floating wind farm

The MarramWind floating offshore wind farm is a joint venture between Shell New Energies Holding and ScottishPower Renewables in the North Sea off the northeast coast of Scotland. With a proposed capacity of up to 3GW, MarramWind aims to generate enough clean energy to power approximately 3.5 million homes. The project, which covers an area of 684 square kilometers within the NE7 Plan Option Agreement Area, will feature between 126 and 225 floating wind turbines, each capable of generating up to 25 MW of power. 

The development of MarramWind is progressing with the submission of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Report in January 2023. The report outlines the project's infrastructure, including floating offshore wind turbine generators, offshore and onshore substations, and extensive cable networks. The offshore infrastructure will incorporate up to 24 underground export cables to connect the turbines to onshore substations and ultimately to the national grid, with the final grid connection points yet to be confirmed. 

The project’s power transmission strategy considers High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) and High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technologies, with potential offshore grid connection dates between 2030 and 2035. Contractors like WSP Environment & Infrastructure Solutions UK and various expert consultancies are involved in ensuring that the EIA comprehensively addresses all environmental and engineering considerations, paving the way for the successful implementation of this major renewable energy initiative.

Morven offshore wind farm

The Morven Offshore Wind Farm is a 2,907MW project planned for the North Sea off the coast of Scotland, UK. Developed and owned jointly by BP and EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg, each holding a 50% stake. The project is currently in the permitting stage and is expected to commence construction in 2027, with commercial operations projected to begin by 2030. 

Morven will supply enough clean energy to power approximately 3 million households, and the wind farm will feature up to 191 wind turbines mounted on fixed foundations.

The project will incorporate up to 844 kilometers of inter-array cables, 751 kilometers of inter-connector cables, and 11 Offshore Substation Platforms (OSPs) with necessary support structures and foundations. The consents required for the Array Project include marine licenses under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 and a Section 36 consent under the Electricity Act 1989.

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Hornsea Wind Farm 4

The Hornsea Project Four is headed by Ørsted (UK) Limited and situated approximately 69 kilometers off the Yorkshire Coast in the North Sea. This offshore wind farm will have a capacity of 2,600MW, equivalent to powering 1 million households. The wind farm is set to feature 180 wind turbines mounted on fixed foundations.

Source: hornseaprojects.co.uk

With plans to incorporate Energy Balancing Infrastructure (EBI) at the new onshore substation, Hornsea Four aims to manage energy production and distribution to the National Grid efficiently, enhancing grid stability and reliability. 

The Secretary of State for Energy Security grants the application for development consent. With construction expected to commence in 2027 and commercial operation anticipated by 2028. Hornsea Project Four follows in the footsteps of Hornsea 1, 2, and 3 in contributing to the UK's renewable energy goals.

Conclusion

The North Sea is a vital offshore wind power hub, with shallow depths and optimal wind speeds. With several upcoming projects ready to expand the capacity of offshore wind North Sea, the region is set to witness a transformative shift towards sustainable energy and reducing fossil fuels. These initiatives promise to create job opportunities and provide clean, renewable energy while contributing to the global effort to combat climate change. 

Moreover, existing projects like Hywind Tampen have laid a solid foundation for implementing large-scale endeavors. Facilitated by the North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC), an alliance of countries bordering the North Sea, these developments underscore a collective commitment to fostering the growth and interconnection of North Sea windmills. Also, the European Commission and the European Union actively support the development of offshore wind farms in the region. From the ambitious Nordsøen 1 in Denmark to the innovative MarramWind floating wind farm, these projects exemplify the energy transition underway in the North Sea region, marking a significant step towards a greener future.

FAQs

Why are there windmills in the North Sea?

Windmills are in the North Sea to harvest powerful and prolonged wind to generate renewable electricity, facilitated by the relatively shallow water depth.

Who owns windmills in the North Sea?

Ørsted, Vattenfall, and Equinor own windmills in the North Sea with ownership across countries including Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

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