Search and Filter Through Our Comprehensive Database of Offshore Wind Farm Projects and Tenders in United Kingdom (UK)
Identify and track latest offshore wind park projects (upcoming, ongoing/under-construction, completed), tenders, and contract awards. Our extensive database and user-friendly interface make it easy for you to find the right business opportunity in United Kingdom (UK).
A Comprehensive Database for Offshore Wind Farms in UK
The United Kingdom is the second-largest offshore wind (OSW) market globally, with a total installed capacity of 13.9 GW as of April 2022. This capacity has grown significantly from just 3.6 GW in 2012, representing a fourfold increase in a decade. The British Energy Security Strategy (BESS), published in April 2022, sets an ambitious target of up to 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030, including 5 GW from innovative floating technology. This target could support up to 90,000 direct and indirect jobs in the UK and is part of a wider £100 billion private investment required to meet the UK's net-zero goal.
The UK's offshore wind farm projects are spread across various regions, with notable developments in the North Sea, such as the Dogger Bank Wind Farm, which is one of the world's largest offshore wind farms. The project is being developed by a consortium of companies, including SSE Renewables and Equinor, and will have a total capacity of 3.6 GW when completed.
In addition to the Dogger Bank Wind Farm, other significant offshore wind farm projects in the UK include the East Anglia Wind Farm, developed by ScottishPower Renewables, which will have a capacity of 7.5 GW when completed. These projects demonstrate the UK's commitment to harnessing the power of offshore wind to meet its energy needs and achieve its net-zero goals.
The UK's offshore wind sector is a critical component of the country's energy mix, with a total project pipeline of around 77 GW across 80 projects that are either in construction, consented, in development, or planned in future seabed leasing auctions. This pipeline represents a significant opportunity for investment and job creation in the UK's renewable energy sector, with the potential to drive economic growth and reduce the country's reliance on fossil fuels.
Offshore Wind Energy Industry Development in UK
The UK has been a pioneer in harnessing wind energy, hosting some of the largest wind farms globally. The country's commitment to renewable energy aligns with its strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, in line with the Paris Climate Accord. The UK government has lifted restrictions on building new onshore wind farms, aiming to accelerate the growth of onshore wind power. The industry has created numerous job opportunities and economic benefits, with successful projects like the world's largest offshore wind farm off the coast of Yorkshire.
The UK's offshore wind market is supported by a robust pipeline of projects and seabed lease auctions, including 27.8 GW of floating and fixed-bottom wind projects awarded by Crown Estate Scotland in the ScotWind leasing round. The UK government's Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme is a key driver of the sector's growth, providing developers with a 15-year private law contract that guarantees a fixed price for the electricity generated, thereby reducing the risk of volatile wholesale electricity prices.
The British Energy Security Strategy (BESS) has established the Offshore Wind Acceleration Taskforce to streamline the consenting process for new offshore wind farms and ensure that the UK and European countries have the manufacturing capability in place to meet the collective ambition of 165 GW by 2030. The taskforce is also considering how to ensure that 60% of local content is used in offshore wind projects in the UK by 2030, as committed to in the Offshore Wind Sector Deal announced in 2019.
In addition to these measures, the UK government has introduced a series of economy-wide capital allowance measures that can benefit offshore wind projects. For example, companies can claim 100% capital allowances on plant and machinery investment until March 2026, and the 50% first-year allowances for special rate (including long-life) assets will continue until March 2026.
The government is also exploring the introduction of non-price factors into the CfD auction allocation process, based on the Skidmore Review and recommendations from the Offshore Wind Acceleration Taskforce. A 'call for evidence' has been launched to gather views on whether potential reforms to value factors other than price in CfD auctions could help accelerate renewable energy deployment and address potential energy security issues.
Market Segmentation
The offshore wind energy market is segmented based on components like turbines, electrical infrastructure, and substructures. Turbines play a crucial role in harnessing wind energy, with companies focusing on enhancing turbine productivity. Geographically, Europe, particularly the UK, leads in offshore wind energy market shares, driven by favorable conditions for offshore wind power generation, strong winds, deep waters, and high demand for renewable energy. The shallow water segment holds a significant revenue share, with installations in shallow waters being more accessible and cost-effective.
Some of the Largest Offshore Wind Farms, UK
Hornsea Three Offshore Wind Power Plant
The Hornsea Three Offshore Wind Power Plant is a significant offshore wind project located in the North Sea, approximately 120 kilometers off the coast of East Yorkshire, England. Developed by Ørsted, the world's leading offshore wind energy developer, the project has a total capacity of 2.4 gigawatts (GW), making it the largest offshore wind farm in the world.
The Hornsea Three project consists of 174 wind turbines, each with a capacity of 13.8 megawatts (MW), and covers an area of approximately 696 square kilometers. The turbines are located in water depths ranging from 22 to 66 meters, and the project is expected to generate enough electricity to power over 2 million homes in the UK.
The Hornsea Three project is a significant milestone in the UK's transition to renewable energy, and it is expected to create thousands of jobs during construction and operation. The project is also expected to contribute significantly to the UK's carbon reduction targets, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 8 million tonnes per year.
East Anglia Hub Offshore Wind Complex
The East Anglia Hub Offshore Wind Complex is a major offshore wind project located in the Southern North Sea, off the coast of Norfolk and Suffolk, England. The project is being developed by ScottishPower Renewables, a leading renewable energy developer in the UK.
The East Anglia Hub project consists of four offshore wind farms, with a total capacity of 3.1 GW. The project will cover an area of approximately 750 square kilometers and will consist of up to 200 wind turbines, each with a capacity of up to 15 MW.
The East Anglia Hub project is expected to generate enough electricity to power over 2.7 million homes in the UK and will create thousands of jobs during construction and operation. The project is also expected to contribute significantly to the UK's carbon reduction targets, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 7.4 million tonnes per year.
Berwick Bank Offshore Wind Power Plant
The Berwick Bank Offshore Wind Power Plant is a proposed offshore wind project located in the North Sea, off the coast of Berwickshire, Scotland. The project is being developed by SSE Renewables, a leading renewable energy developer in the UK.
The Berwick Bank project has a proposed capacity of up to 2.2 GW and will consist of up to 150 wind turbines, each with a capacity of up to 15 MW. The project will cover an area of approximately 450 square kilometers and will be located in water depths ranging from 35 to 55 meters.
The Berwick Bank project is expected to generate enough electricity to power over 2 million homes in the UK and will create thousands of jobs during construction and operation. The project is also expected to contribute significantly to the UK's carbon reduction targets, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 5.5 million tonnes per year.
West of Orkney Offshore Wind Power Plant
The West of Orkney Offshore Wind Power Plant is a proposed offshore wind project located in the North Sea, off the coast of Orkney, Scotland. The project is being developed by a joint venture between TotalEnergies and ScottishPower Renewables.
The West of Orkney project has a proposed capacity of up to 2 GW and will consist of up to 100 wind turbines, each with a capacity of up to 20 MW. The project will cover an area of approximately 300 square kilometers and will be located in water depths ranging from 60 to 80 meters.
The West of Orkney project is expected to generate enough electricity to power over 2 million homes in the UK and will create thousands of jobs during construction and operation. The project is also expected to contribute significantly to the UK's carbon reduction targets, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 4.5 million tonnes per year.
Ossian Offshore Wind Power Plant
The Ossian Offshore Wind Power Plant is a proposed offshore wind project located in the North Sea, off the coast of Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The project is being developed by EDP Renewables, a leading renewable energy developer in the UK.
The Ossian project has a proposed capacity of up to 1 GW and will consist of up to 80 wind turbines, each with a capacity of up to 12 MW. The project will cover an area of approximately 150 square kilometers and will be located in water depths ranging from 45 to 65 meters.
The Ossian project is expected to generate enough electricity to power over 1 million homes in the UK and will create thousands of jobs during construction and operation. The project is also expected to contribute significantly to the UK's carbon reduction targets, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 2.25 million tonnes per year.
Drivers of the Offshore Wind Industry in UK
Supportive Policies
- The UK and Scottish governments have launched policies to support offshore wind (OSW) projects, including the Offshore Wind Sector Deal and the Scottish Offshore Wind Energy Council.
- Grants and subsidy support have been made available, such as the enhanced RO scheme for floating wind projects in Scotland.
- The Contract for Difference (CfD) scheme is the only available subsidy for floating wind projects, with an administrative strike price of £53-£56 per MWh.
Favorable Regulations
- The RO scheme requires UK electricity suppliers to source a certain percentage of energy from renewable generators, with floating wind projects in Scotland expected to make around £205 per MWh of electricity sold.
- The CfD mechanism promises a £53-£56 strike price per MWh, with the UK government's Low Carbon Contracts Company paying the generator £18-£21 per MWh.
- The high levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for floating wind generation, around £177 per MWh, explains the decision to put the Dounreay Tri Floating Offshore Wind Farm project on hold.
Institutional Capacity
- The RO and CfD schemes indicate an inherent institutional capability to support floating wind projects.
- The Offshore Wind Sector Deal represents the willingness of the UK government to support continued growth in floating offshore wind technology (FOWT).
Government Commitment
- UK government's Offshore Wind Sector Deal aims to increase UK capital expenditure (CAPEX) content to 60% by 2030, including investments in turbines, foundations, moorings, and anchor supply-chain companies for floating wind projects.
- BVG Associates' study found low potential for growing UK content in capital expenditures due to a lack of supply track record and market readiness for commercial-scale offshore wind projects.
- Installation, commissioning, and operations and maintenance (O&M) services in commissioned floating wind projects were mostly carried out by UK companies.
- UK has a strong supply track record and high market readiness for commercial-scale turbine installations, foundation installations, subsea cable installations, and O&M services.
Challenges in Building Offshore Wind Farms in UK
Despite the promising outlook, the UK wind power industry faces several challenges. One of these is the slow pace of onshore wind farm development. Another challenge is the lack of personnel and a skills shortage in the offshore wind industry. The global growth of the offshore wind industry, the aftermath of Brexit, and the increasing complexity of offshore wind projects have contributed to this shortage. Addressing the skills gap and investing in training and skills development is crucial to ensure the industry has the necessary workforce.
Infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing for offshore wind projects also pose significant challenges. There is simply not enough capacity for the levels of infrastructure and construction materials and equipment required. Significant investment is essential for project developers and the Government to stimulate and support that investment.
Logistical barriers to offshore wind include the need for specialist vessels to transport turbines offshore and the time it takes to build these vessels. An estimated £3.3bn to £6.5bn needs to be spent on new heavy vessels this decade, but it takes about three years to build a single vessel. Additionally, the supply chain delivering in time is unlikely, even if the investment and will are there.
Financing the Offshore Wind Projects in UK
Financing offshore wind projects in the UK involves significant capital investments due to the high costs associated with developing and operating these projects. The financing of offshore wind projects typically involves a mix of public and private funding, with government support playing a crucial role in incentivizing investment. Projects like the Hornsea Project, developed by Ørsted, have received substantial financial backing to become some of the largest offshore wind farms globally. Companies like EDF Renewables and Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy are key players in financing and developing offshore wind projects in UK waters.
The financing of offshore wind projects includes costs for turbines, infrastructure, grid connections, and ongoing maintenance. Investors often look for stable regulatory frameworks, long-term power purchase agreements, and attractive returns on investment to fund these projects. The UK government's Industrial Strategy has been instrumental in providing financial support and creating a conducive environment for offshore wind development, driving investments in projects like Sheringham Shoal in the North Sea and developments in the Irish Sea.
Furthermore, the British government is also exploring the introduction of non-price factors into the CfD auction allocation process, based on the Skidmore Review and recommendations from the Offshore Wind Acceleration Taskforce. A 'call for evidence' has been launched to gather views on whether potential reforms to value factors other than price in CfD auctions could help accelerate renewable energy deployment and address potential energy security issues.
Future Outlook
The future outlook for offshore wind projects in the UK is promising, with continued growth and expansion expected in the coming years. The UK has set ambitious targets to increase offshore wind capacity, aiming to deliver 40 GW of offshore wind by 2030. Projects like the Hornsea Project and developments in the North East and the Irish Sea are indicative of the country's commitment to clean energy and renewable electricity generation.
Companies like Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy and Corio Generation are at the forefront of driving innovation and technological advancements in offshore wind turbines, enhancing the efficiency and capacity of future projects. The UK's strategic location and strong wind resources position it as a key player in the global offshore wind market, attracting investments and driving economic growth in the renewable energy sector.
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Are you searching for offshore wind park projects and tenders in United Kingdom (UK)? We have compiled the most comprehensive and up-to-date database of global projects and tenders to quickly find opportunities needing your services. Blackridge Research's Global Project and Tender database is a valuable resource for EPC companies, general contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers, suppliers, operation & maintenance (O&M) companies, investors, consulting companies, and law firms looking for new business opportunities. Our database includes all the essential project details, contact information of project owners and stakeholders, making it easy for you to establish your connection and grow your business.
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