Ocean Winds – the joint venture between EDPR and ENGIE – has been selected by The Crown Estate to take forward the third floating offshore wind project in the Celtic Sea. The award marks another major milestone for the region as it continues to establish itself as a hub for floating wind development.
This decision follows the Round 5 leasing process earlier this year, which saw Equinor and Gwynt Glas secure agreements for lease for two sites. Together, the projects planned for the Celtic Sea could become some of the largest floating wind farms in the world, capable of supplying clean electricity to more than four million homes.
To help accelerate deployment, The Crown Estate has already undertaken significant preparatory work, including coordinated grid planning with the National Energy System Operator and a comprehensive programme of technical and environmental surveys.
As part of the leasing round, developers will also be expected to deliver commitments on apprenticeships and local supply chain opportunities. Current analysis suggests that Round 5 could support over 5,000 jobs and generate around £1.4 billion in economic value across the UK.
Tom Hill, Programme Manager at Marine Energy Wales, said:
“This is a significant milestone for the Celtic Sea. Congratulations to Ocean Winds on securing the third floating wind site. We’re committed to collaborating with all developers to support successful delivery and to make sure these projects bring real, lasting value to Wales and the South West.”
Dan Labbad, Chief Executive of The Crown Estate, said:
“I’m incredibly proud that we have delivered on the commitment we made to secure a developer for the third site in the Celtic Sea, and we’re delighted that Ocean Winds will join other world-leading companies to invest in the UK and help establish this pioneering new technology for the long-term benefit of the country.”
Craig Windram, CEO of Ocean Winds said:
“We are proud to be selected for the development rights for this strategic site. With over a decade of experience pioneering floating wind technology, and a proven ability to deliver fixed bottom projects at pace, we are confident in our capabilities to deliver this commercial scale floating project. The project will bring substantial benefits to the UK and play a vital role in the energy transition.”
Ed Miliband, Energy Secretary said:
“Securing a third floating offshore wind site in the Celtic Sea not only strengthens the UK’s position as a global leader in this emerging technology, but also further unlocks the region’s vast potential to deliver our clean power mission and bring down energy bills for good.
Floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea will drive growth across Wales and the South West, create thousands of skilled jobs in places like Port Talbot and Bristol, bolster our energy security, and power industrial renewal.”
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans said:
“Today’s announcement is a huge vote of confidence in the Celtic Sea and the floating offshore wind sector. The investment shows that Wales is at the global forefront of the offshore wind sector which will power our communities for generations and bring lasting economic value.
With all three development areas confirmed, the sector can confidently go forward, and this certainty will help to unlock investment from our ports, our manufacturing companies, and skills providers.”
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:
“This is another major step forward in developing floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea and a significant moment for the clean energy industry in Wales.
The UK Government is committed to the transition to clean energy, bringing down bills for households and securing the UK’s home-grown energy supply. Floating offshore wind is key to delivering that mission. It will bring huge investment and create thousands of well-paid jobs in Wales and across the UK.”