The UK’s Fifth Round Selection Process for Floating Offshore Wind Projects in the Celtic Sea

The UK recently completed its fifth round selection process for pioneering projects in the Celtic Sea, focusing on the development of floating offshore wind power generation. The Crown Estate, which manages offshore property, has called the contracts awarded in this round among the largest of their kind, marking a significant step in the UK’s leadership in renewable energy.

Two projects have been awarded to Norway’s Equinor and a partnership known as Gwynt Glas, a joint venture between EDF Renewables and Irish energy company ESB. Each project has been granted rights to an area of seabed that can support 1.5 GW of power. Plans for a third site with an additional 1.5 GW are still in development, with the Crown Estate expected to announce further steps by the end of September.

Equinor and Gwynt Glas will now begin the process of securing contracts and obtaining consent, a procedure that could take three to five years. The projects are anticipated to become operational in the early 2030s.

This round, which began in 2024, marks the UK’s first floating-specific leasing round, signaling a strategic shift towards innovative offshore wind technologies.

In addition to selecting projects, bidders were required to outline their plans for collaborating with ports to support the final assembly of turbines on floating platforms. Port Talbot and Bristol ports have been identified as likely locations for this activity by the preferred bidders.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband expressed optimism about the transformative impact of floating offshore wind on economic growth in Wales and the South West. He emphasized the potential for job creation and energy security, highlighting the Celtic Sea’s untapped renewable energy potential.

The Crown Estate envisions this selection as the initial phase of a burgeoning industry in the Celtic Sea, with the potential for 4 to 10 GW of additional power to be developed in the region by the end of the decade.

Government Support and Future Plans

The government, led by Sir Kier Starmer, is actively supporting the development of offshore wind power in the UK. The country remains a leader in Europe and is second only to China in total installed capacity. The government has set a target of reaching 50 GW of offshore renewable energy by the end of the decade, with approximately 16 GW already installed.

The next major auction for offshore wind projects is scheduled for September, with analysts emphasizing the importance of aggressive action to meet long-term energy goals.