From humble but ambitious beginnings, the UK has built one of the world’s largest and most successful offshore wind markets—an achievement underpinned by long-term ambition, collaboration and innovation.
Benj Sykes, UK Country Manager, Ørsted
Ørsted is proud to have been at the heart of this transformation – working alongside successive governments over the years who supported offshore wind’s rapid growth journey. We were among the first to believe in the potential of offshore wind at scale, long before it was commercially proven. Many of the early projects that shaped the UK industry’s success — including our own Barrow, Burbo Bank, Burbo Bank Extension, Gunfleet Sands and West of Duddon Sands— each set a new benchmark for what offshore wind could achieve.
Alongside our industry supply chain partners, the UK has been at the forefront of technological developments, whether it be first deployment of next generation turbines or advancements in cable technologies and installation methods.
Together, we have delivered some of the most iconic and influential projects in the world – Walney Extension became the world’s largest offshore wind farm on completion in 2018. In the Hornsea Zone, we delivered the first gigawatt-scale offshore wind farms - with Hornsea 2 still holding the Guinness World Record for the largest single offshore wind farm.
Supported by stable government policy, our early investments and willingness to take risks helped transform offshore wind from a niche technology into a cornerstone of the UK’s clean energy system. And as we reflect on a quarter-century of progress, the story is clear: offshore wind has brought opportunity, skills and economic renewal to coastal communities across the country—and Ørsted has been proud to have been part of that transformation.
Alongside our industry supply chain partners, the UK has been at the forefront of technological developments, whether it be first deployment of next generation turbines or advancements in cable technologies and installation methods.
Together, we have delivered some of the most iconic and influential projects in the world – Walney Extension became the world’s largest offshore wind farm on completion in 2018. In the Hornsea Zone, we delivered the first gigawatt-scale offshore wind farms - with Hornsea 2 still holding the Guinness World Record for the largest single offshore wind farm.
Supported by stable government policy, our early investments and willingness to take risks helped transform offshore wind from a niche technology into a cornerstone of the UK’s clean energy system. And as we reflect on a quarter-century of progress, the story is clear: offshore wind has brought opportunity, skills and economic renewal to coastal communities across the country—and Ørsted has been proud to have been part of that transformation.
Transforming communities
The impact on coastal regions has been profound. Investment linked to projects off the coasts of Cumbria, Lincolnshire, Merseyside and Norfolk has helped regenerate ports, create new supply chains, unlock skilled jobs and support community initiatives.
Nowhere captures this better than Grimsby. Our East Coast Hub, the world’s largest offshore wind operations and maintenance facility, supports several of our flagship projects. Hornsea 1 and Hornsea 2 already power millions of homes and businesses—and construction of Hornsea 3 will extend this impact even further.
Nowhere captures this better than Grimsby. Our East Coast Hub, the world’s largest offshore wind operations and maintenance facility, supports several of our flagship projects. Hornsea 1 and Hornsea 2 already power millions of homes and businesses—and construction of Hornsea 3 will extend this impact even further.
Ørsted's East Coast Hub in Grimsby
Across the UK, Ørsted has established community funds, launched biodiversity programmes, supported local education and formed long-term partnerships that reflect our commitment to delivering meaningful and lasting benefits.
The growth and success of the sector would not have been possible without the thousands of people who have contributed to the construction and operation of world-leading infrastructure—many of whom have learnt their skills for other industries.
Ørsted’s apprenticeships, training programmes and partnerships with schools, colleges and universities are supporting people at every stage of their careers. We’re proud to help workers transition from sectors like oil and gas and the armed forces into long-term roles in the low-carbon economy—bringing experience that is invaluable for the UK’s future energy system.
The growth and success of the sector would not have been possible without the thousands of people who have contributed to the construction and operation of world-leading infrastructure—many of whom have learnt their skills for other industries.
Ørsted’s apprenticeships, training programmes and partnerships with schools, colleges and universities are supporting people at every stage of their careers. We’re proud to help workers transition from sectors like oil and gas and the armed forces into long-term roles in the low-carbon economy—bringing experience that is invaluable for the UK’s future energy system.
Navigating the Next 25 Years
If the first 25 years were about proving the potential of offshore wind, the next 25 will be about scaling up responsibly as offshore wind becomes the backbone of the UK’s electricity system.
Long-term success depends on the right conditions to ensure the UK retains its global leadership. This means getting a whole series of challenges right:
- A planning and consenting regime built for speed, clarity and collaboration, while maintaining strong environmental protections.
- Investment in a modern, flexible and resilient grid capable of connecting and integrating large volumes of renewable power.
- Support for a competitive, innovative and sustainable supply chain that can grow with the industry.
- Even closer collaboration between industry, government, regulators and communities to unlock the full potential of offshore wind.
Looking Ahead to 2050
The first 25 years of UK offshore wind represent a remarkable industrial transformation. Ørsted is proud to have played a pioneering role working closely with government, our suppliers and supported by our communities—but the next chapter is just as important.
The choices made now will determine whether the UK maintains global leadership, continues to create jobs and opportunities in coastal communities, strengthens energy security for future generations and delivers on its climate ambitions.
We stand ready to help shape that future. Together, we can ensure that the next 25 years of offshore wind are even more transformative than the first.
The choices made now will determine whether the UK maintains global leadership, continues to create jobs and opportunities in coastal communities, strengthens energy security for future generations and delivers on its climate ambitions.
We stand ready to help shape that future. Together, we can ensure that the next 25 years of offshore wind are even more transformative than the first.
