The North Sea is the world's largest and most advanced offshore wind basin, with more than 30 GW of installed offshore wind capacity spread across the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, and Norway. Governments have committed to delivering at least 120 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 and 300 GW by 2050 under the North Seas Energy Cooperation (Ostend Declaration), while the project pipeline includes some of the world's largest wind farms.

Among the largest upcoming offshore wind farms in the North Sea, several mega-projects stand out for their scale, technology, and strategic importance. These include Berwick Bank Offshore Wind Farm, Ossian Floating Offshore Wind Farm, Dogger Bank South (East + West) Offshore Wind Farm, MarramWind Offshore Wind Farm, Morven Offshore Wind Farm, Hornsea 3 Offshore Wind Farm, and IJmuiden Ver Alpha Offshore Wind Farm.

In this article, we explore the top seven upcoming offshore wind farms in the North Sea, examining their installed capacity, project status, technical specifications, developers, major contractors, and expected commissioning timelines.

List of Top 7 Largest Offshore Wind Farm Projects in the North Sea (according to capacity)

Berwick Bank Offshore Wind Farm

The Berwick Bank Offshore Wind Farm is a proposed 4.1 GW offshore wind project being developed by SSE Renewables in the Outer Firth of Forth, North Sea, approximately 38 km off the east coast of Scotland. Once operational, it is expected to become one of the world's largest offshore wind farms and the largest upcoming offshore wind project in the North Sea. 

The project will comprise up to 307 wind turbines across an offshore site covering approximately 1,010 sq km, generating enough renewable electricity to power more than six million homes while avoiding around eight million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

Technical Specifications

Berwick Bank, one of the largest upcoming wind farms by SSE, will have a planned installed capacity of up to 4.1 GW. The project will feature up to 307 offshore wind turbines with rotor diameters ranging from 222 m to 310 m, installed in water depths between 32.8 m and 68.5 m. The development will include approximately 1,225 km of inter-array cables, supported by up to eight offshore export cables connecting the wind farm to grid connection points in East Lothian and Blyth, Northumberland. 

The offshore infrastructure is designed to significantly strengthen Scotland's renewable electricity generation and could increase the country's renewable capacity by nearly 30% once completed.

Current Status

Berwick Bank is currently in an advanced development phase. The project received Section 36 planning consent from the Scottish Government in July 2025, allowing it to proceed toward construction. In January 2026, Phase B (1.38 GW) secured a 20-year Contract for Difference (CfD) under the UK's Allocation Round 7 at a strike price of GBP 89.49/MWh (2024 prices). 

Onshore enabling works, including access roads and earthworks for the onshore substation, commenced in July 2026, while construction of the substation is expected to begin in 2027. The first phase is targeted to enter commercial operation in 2031, with full project delivery expected during the early 2030s.

Key Contractors

Ossian Floating Offshore Wind Farm

The Ossian Offshore Wind Farm is a proposed 3.6 GW floating offshore wind project located approximately 84-85 km off the east coast of Scotland in the North Sea. Developed by a joint venture comprising SSE Renewables (40%), Marubeni Corporation (30%), and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) (30%), Ossian is expected to become one of the world's largest floating offshore wind farms once completed. 

The project will harness Scotland's deep-water wind resources to generate enough renewable electricity to power up to six million homes while reducing annual carbon emissions by approximately 7.5 million tonnes.

Technical Specifications

Ossian will have an installed capacity of up to 3.6 GW and will be deployed using floating offshore wind turbine technology suited to deep-water conditions. The offshore wind farm will be located in ScotWind Plan Option Area E1, covering approximately 858 sq km in the Firth of Forth with an average water depth of around 72 m. 

The project will be connected to the UK electricity network through subsea export cables linking the offshore array to landfall locations in Scotland, with underground transmission infrastructure connecting to onshore substations and the national grid. The floating design enables the development of offshore wind resources in areas unsuitable for conventional fixed-bottom foundations.

Current Status

Ossian is currently in the development and environmental assessment phase. The project secured a ScotWind seabed lease in 2022, and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the offshore array was submitted to the Scottish Government in 2024, with additional environmental information continuing through 2026. 

Extensive site investigations, including geotechnical surveys, floating LiDAR measurements, and marine ecology studies, have been completed, making Ossian the first ScotWind floating offshore wind project to complete comprehensive geotechnical surveys. 

Following changes to the transmission strategy, the developers have paused work on the previously proposed Lincolnshire grid connection to prioritize the allocated Scottish grid connection. Subject to regulatory approvals and investment decisions, the project aims to deliver first power before the end of the decade.

Key Contractors

Dogger Bank South Offshore Wind Farm (East and West)

The Dogger Bank South Offshore Wind Farm comprises two 1.5 GW offshore wind projects, Dogger Bank South East (DBS East) and Dogger Bank South West (DBS West), with a combined installed capacity of 3 GW. Developed jointly by RWE (51%) and Masdar (49%), the projects are located more than 100 km off the northeast coast of England in the North Sea. 

Once fully operational, Dogger Bank South will rank among the largest offshore wind farms in the North Sea, generating enough renewable electricity to power approximately 3 million UK homes while supporting the country's net-zero targets.

Technical Specifications

Dogger Bank South will have a total installed capacity of 3 GW, split equally between DBS East (1.5 GW) and DBS West (1.5 GW). Each offshore array will cover approximately 500 sq km, with the combined development expected to feature up to 200 offshore wind turbines. The projects will use High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission technology to efficiently transport electricity over long distances. 

Offshore export cables will make landfall in the East Riding of Yorkshire, where underground onshore cables will connect the projects to the UK National Grid. The development is also expected to support around 2,000 construction jobs and more than 1,000 long-term direct and indirect operational jobs.

Current Status

Dogger Bank South is currently in the pre-construction and detailed design phase. The projects received Development Consent from the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 14 May 2026. In January 2026, both DBS East and DBS West secured 20-year Contracts for Difference (CfD) under the UK's Allocation Round 7 (AR7) at a strike price of GBP 91.20/MWh (2024 prices). 

Detailed geophysical and geotechnical surveys are underway to support final engineering design, with the Final Investment Decision (FID) targeted for 2027. Construction is expected to begin later this decade, with DBS West scheduled for commissioning in 2031 and DBS East following in 2032.

Key Contractors

MarramWind Offshore Wind Farm

The MarramWind Offshore Wind Farm is a proposed 3 GW floating offshore wind project located 75-110 km off the northeast coast of Scotland in the North Sea. Developed by ScottishPower Renewables (SPR), the project will become one of the largest offshore wind farms in Scotland once completed. 

Situated in deep waters off the Aberdeenshire coast, MarramWind will utilize advanced floating wind technology to generate enough renewable electricity to power more than 3.5 million homes. In late 2025, ScottishPower Renewables assumed full ownership of the project after acquiring Shell's stake.

Technical Specifications

MarramWind will have an installed capacity of up to 3 GW, supported by 126 to 225 floating offshore wind turbines with individual capacities ranging from 14 MW to 25 MW. The turbines will feature rotor diameters between 236 m and 326 m, hub heights of 142 m to 182 m, and maximum tip heights of up to 350 m. 

The wind farm will cover approximately 684 sq km in waters averaging 100–111 m deep, making floating foundations essential for deployment. Electricity will be transmitted through 66 kV to 145 kV array cables, with export cables connecting the project to the SSEN Netherton Hub substation in Aberdeenshire.

Current Status

MarramWind is currently in the consenting and regulatory review phase. In January 2026, ScottishPower Renewables submitted its offshore consent application, including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), to the Scottish Government's Marine Directorate, alongside an onshore planning application to Aberdeenshire Council. Statutory consultations have been completed, and the project is progressing through environmental and planning approvals. 

During offshore surveys in 2025, developers also identified a previously uncharted historic shipwreck within the project area, which is being considered as part of the environmental assessment. Subject to approvals and investment decisions, MarramWind is targeting commercial operation around 2030.

Key Contractors

Morven Offshore Wind Farm

The Morven Offshore Wind Farm is a proposed up to 3 GW fixed-bottom offshore wind project located approximately 60 km off the Aberdeenshire coast in the North Sea, Scotland. Developed by a joint venture between JERA Nex bp and EnBW, the project is among the UK's largest planned offshore wind developments and is expected to generate enough renewable electricity to power around 3 million UK homes.

The development spans approximately 859 km² and has recently been divided into two separate projects, Morven North and Morven South. In June 2026, the developers submitted Section 36 consent applications and marine licence applications to the Scottish Government, marking a significant milestone as the project advances toward construction.

Technical Specifications

Morven Offshore Wind Farm will have an installed capacity of up to 2,907 MW (approximately 3 GW) and is expected to comprise up to 191 fixed-bottom wind turbines across the two project areas. Morven North will accommodate up to 96 turbines across roughly 511 km², while Morven South will include up to 95 turbines covering approximately 348 km².

The project will be installed in water depths ranging from 64 m to 76 m, making fixed-bottom foundations suitable for deployment. Electricity generated offshore will be transmitted through subsea export cables and underground onshore cables, connecting to the UK's national electricity network at the Hawthorn Pit substation near Seaham.

Current Status

Morven Offshore Wind Farm is currently in the pre-construction and consenting phase. Following extensive offshore environmental, geophysical, and geotechnical surveys conducted during 2024 and 2025, the developers submitted their Section 36 consent applications and marine licences to the Scottish Government in June 2026.

The project is now progressing through environmental assessments and regulatory review. Developers have requested a 10-year consent validity period to accommodate potential delays associated with grid connection availability. Subject to regulatory approvals, financing, and construction schedules, Morven is expected to become operational between 2031 and 2035.

Key contractors

Hornsea 3 Offshore Wind Farm

The Hornsea 3 Offshore Wind Farm is a 2.9 GW fixed-bottom offshore wind project under construction approximately 120 km off the Norfolk coast in the North Sea, England. Developed by Ørsted in partnership with Apollo-managed funds, the project is expected to become the world's largest single offshore wind farm upon completion, generating enough renewable electricity to power more than 3.3 million UK homes.

As the third phase of Ørsted's Hornsea offshore wind zone, the project builds on the success of Hornsea 1 and Hornsea 2, creating one of the world's largest offshore renewable energy clusters. Construction is well underway, with the first foundation installations completed in 2026 and commercial operations targeted by the end of 2027.

Technical Specifications

Hornsea 3 will have an installed capacity of 2,955 MW (approximately 2.9 GW) and will be built across an offshore site covering approximately 696 km². The wind farm will comprise up to 231 Siemens Gamesa SG 14-236 DD offshore wind turbines, each rated at 14 MW, with the option to operate at 15 MW using the manufacturer's Power Boost feature.

Each turbine features a 236 m rotor diameter, 115 m blades, and direct-drive technology designed to improve efficiency while reducing maintenance requirements. The turbines will primarily be supported by XXL monopile foundations, approximately 90 m long and weighing around 1,670 tonnes each, with some locations potentially utilizing jacket or gravity base foundations where required.

Electricity generated offshore will be transmitted through subsea arrays and export cables to the Norwich Main National Grid substation in Norfolk via more than 160 km of offshore and onshore transmission infrastructure. The project will also incorporate Siemens Energy's SF-free Blue GIS switchgear as part of its high-voltage electrical system.

Current Status

Hornsea 3 is currently in the construction phase, with offshore works progressing rapidly throughout 2026. The first XXL monopile was successfully installed in May 2026 using Cadeler's Wind Ally installation vessel, marking the beginning of large-scale foundation installation.

Earlier in 2026, the project's offshore converter stations were installed, while export cable installation and landfall works also commenced. In late 2025, Apollo-managed funds acquired a 50% ownership stake in the project through a GBP 6.5 billion investment, supporting construction of the approximately GBP 8.5-10 billion offshore wind development. Subject to continued construction progress, Hornsea 3 is expected to enter commercial operation by the end of 2027.

Key contractors

IJmuiden Ver Alpha Offshore Wind Farm

The IJmuiden Ver Alpha Offshore Wind Farm is a proposed 2 GW fixed-bottom offshore wind project located more than 60 km off the Dutch North Sea coast. Developed by the Noordzeker consortium comprising SSE Renewables, APG, and ABP, the project forms part of the Netherlands' flagship IJmuiden Ver offshore wind zone and is expected to supply enough renewable electricity to meet approximately 7% of the country's current electricity demand.

Designed as both a large-scale renewable energy project and a "living laboratory" for biodiversity restoration, IJmuiden Ver Alpha places a strong emphasis on sustainability, circular manufacturing, and protecting marine ecosystems. The project is scheduled to enter commercial operation by 2029.

Technical Specifications

IJmuiden Ver Alpha will have an installed capacity of 2 GW and is located in the Dutch sector of the North Sea at approximately 52.7464° N, 3.5694° E. Electricity generated by the wind farm will be transmitted through TenneT's offshore HVDC grid, with power delivered to an offshore converter platform before being exported via submarine and underground cables to Borssele, where it will connect to the Dutch high-voltage transmission network.

The project has been developed under stringent sustainability requirements set by the Dutch Government. At least 70% of each turbine blade's weight must be recyclable, while 75% of turbines and key components must be sourced from outside China, strengthening supply chain resilience and supporting circular economy objectives.

Current Status

IJmuiden Ver Alpha is currently in the pre-construction phase. In early 2025, the Noordzeker consortium signed the grid connection realization agreement with Dutch transmission system operator TenneT, securing connection to the national electricity network.

Development activities are progressing following the award of the Alpha site permit, while engineering, procurement, and offshore infrastructure contracts are underway. Construction of the offshore grid connection and associated converter platform has also advanced through major EPC awards. Subject to construction progress and regulatory milestones, the wind farm is expected to be fully commissioned in 2029.

Key contractors

Conclusion

The next wave of offshore wind development in the North Sea will redefine Europe's energy landscape. The seven projects featured in this list alone represent more than 20 GW of planned generation capacity, enough to supply electricity to tens of millions of households while significantly reducing carbon emissions. They also demonstrate the industry's shift toward larger turbines exceeding 15 MW, standardized 2 GW HVDC grid connections, and greater emphasis on circular manufacturing, biodiversity enhancement, and resilient supply chains.

Looking ahead, the North Sea will remain the world's most important offshore wind market. However, achieving the region's ambition of at least 120 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 and 300 GW by 2050 will depend on faster permitting, expanded transmission infrastructure, improved auction frameworks, and continued investment in ports, vessels, and manufacturing capacity. As these flagship projects move from planning to construction and operation, they will set new global benchmarks for offshore wind scale, technology, and clean energy deployment.

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