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Offshore wind can deliver greater energy security, stability, jobs, economic growth, and a positive impact on climate and nature

Energy independence
Stability
Jobs & economic growth
Climate and nature
How is Ørsted delivering?

Offshore wind: Already delivering for the UK

Offshore wind provides the UK with homegrown energy at gigawatt scale, and with it, the possibility of independence from imported fossil fuels, a greater degree of stability, thousands of jobs across the local and national economy, benefits for biodiversity – and of course, a massive reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.




Today, offshore wind is the backbone of the UK’s clean energy system. In 2024, it generated 17 % of the power used across the nation. Thanks to its scale and efficiency, offshore wind can help meet the growing need for electricity. Demand is expected to double between 2025 and 2050, thanks to the continuing electrification of industry and everyday life.

The task of generating energy is simply too important to rely on imported fuels. Offshore wind is already a central part of the alternative.

What offshore wind delivers

Close-up, upward view of a wind turbine tower with two blades against a pale blue sky.

+ Energy independence

Homegrown renewable energy offers a reliable supply of power, independent from imported fossil fuels. Offshore wind is the most reliable among them, on the biggest scale, with access to greater and more constant wind speeds at sea. Our 12 UK offshore wind farms already deliver 7 % of Britain’s electricity. That’s enough clean, reliable, homegrown energy to power the seven largest cities in Great Britain outside London. [add footnote with calculation]. Last year, more than 50 % of Britain’s electricity came from renewables. We need to increase our energy independence and security – and we can deliver it if we put offshore wind at the heart of the UK’s power system.

+ Stability

When power generation depends on imported fossil fuels, geopolitical events can lead to huge price fluctuations in energy prices. By contrast, renewables offer a reliable supply of domestically produced power, decoupled from the volatility of global energy prices. With greater and more constant windspeeds at sea, offshore wind is capable of generating enough energy to power millions of UK homes.

+ Jobs and economic growth

Offshore wind creates jobs – in construction, operations and maintenance. It also generates business for the supply chain. Here in the UK, there are now 30,000 jobs in the offshore wind industry. By 2030, this number is expected to reach 100,000. Meanwhile at Ørsted, we have directly placed major contracts with over 240 UK companies and nearly 60 of these suppliers have also supported our global portfolio. Our commitment to the UK supply chain is leading to technical innovation, job creation, exports, and local investment.
Underwater view of kelp fronds swaying in blue, backlit water.

+ Climate and nature

Renewable energy is the best tool the world has for combatting the climate crisis. The scale and reliability of offshore wind make it the most important source of energy to meet the growing demand for carbon-free electricity. At Ørsted, we are committed to delivering the energy transition the right way – in balance with nature and people. Our ambition is that all our new renewable energy projects from 2030 deliver a net-positive biodiversity impact to help protect and enhance nature.


How is Ørsted delivering?

Wind technicians building

More than three decades at the forefront

We built the world’s first offshore wind farm in 1991, and drove forward the scale-up to gigawatt capacity.
Offshore wind turbine

Largest operating offshore wind portfolio in the world outside China

This year, we reached more than 10.2 GW1 of installed offshore wind capacity across three continents.
[1] Installed Capacity for the group means renewable capacity accumulated over time for which commercial operation date (COD) has been achieved, and where the group has or has had an ownership share and an EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) role in the project, disregarding whether such capacity has subsequently been di-vested, in full or in part. Notwithstanding the foregoing conditions are not fulfilled, renewable capacities from acquisitions are also added to the installed capacity.  

[2] Capacity under Construction for the group means renewable capacity under construction where a final investment decision (FID) has been made and where the group has or has had an ownership share and an EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) role in the project, disregarding whether such capacity was originally or has subsequently been divested, in full or in part.
Offshore wind at a crossroads report

How can offshore wind deliver on its potential?

Our report outlines forward-thinking policies and industry commitments that could unlock the potential of offshore wind to provide affordable, secure, clean energy, generating jobs and enhancing energy independence.

Read more