25 years of UK offshore wind: Ørsted celebrates Grimsby’s central role in powering Britain
As the UK celebrates 25 years of clean electricity from offshore wind, Ørsted is shining a spotlight on Grimsby - a town that has become one of the most important offshore wind hubs in the world.
In 2024, offshore wind generated a record 17% of the UK’s electricity (48.5TWh). A significant amount of that power comes from wind farms operated from Ørsted’s East Coast Hub at Grimsby’s Royal Docks, where teams operate and maintain offshore wind farms around the country – including six off the East coast - supplying millions of homes and businesses across the country.
Grimsby offshore success is powered by people. Today, almost 700 people work across Ørsted’s East Coast operations and Humberside Airport – from turbine technicians and marine specialists to data analysts and apprentices. Ørsted’s workforce in the Humber spans 148 different job roles, with almost 50% working as wind turbine technicians carrying out world-class offshore operations and maintenance. Three-quarters of Ørsted’s east coast team live within an hour of the town, showing just how deeply the industry is rooted in the local community.
Alongside clean energy, jobs and skills, Ørsted continues to invest heavily in local communities. Since 2016, the East Coast Community Fund has awarded more than £4 million to nearly 300 projects across coastal Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
Each year, up to £75,000 is dedicated to the Skills Fund, helping people gain qualifications and access new careers. More than £600,000 has supported 33 skills and training projects so far.
One recent grant of £11,015 supported Franklin Sixth Form College’s sixth annual STEM event, which drew a record 1,789 students from 23 local schools. Through hands-on workshops and a Careers & Progression Evening featuring more than 100 exhibitors, students gained insight into real-world careers in engineering, renewable energy, healthcare, game design and more.
Emma Swinburn, Franklin Sixth Form College, said: “This event is fundamental in raising awareness and aspirations. We’re so grateful to the East Coast Community Fund for making it possible.”
Ørsted has also donated £1 million towards the Horizon Youth Zone, opening in 2026, and has supported the Ørsted Great Grimsby 10k for a decade.
Ørsted’s commitment to the region continues with Hornsea 3, set to become the world’s largest offshore wind farm when completed in 2027. It will generate clean power for 3.3 million homes, ensuring Grimsby stays at the centre of the UK’s renewable energy future.
Grimsby’s leadership has even attracted global attention, with visits from Guy Martin (for Great British Power Trip) and CBS 60 Minutes, both highlighting the town’s role at the forefront of the UK’s clean-energy transition.
Ørsted’s East Coast Hub is also home to an official Guinness World Record holder, with Hornsea 2 recognised as the world’s largest offshore wind farm. Its 165 turbines capable of producing enough low-cost, renewable electricity to power more than 1.4 million UK homes.
Darren Ramshaw, Head of Generation UK East at Ørsted: said: “As the UK marks 25 years of offshore wind, we’re proud that Grimsby has been at the heart of our East Coast operations for half of that time. Our operations are key to the energy transition, but our support doesn't stop there. We have embedded ourselves in the local community, from school visits, to our East Coast Community Benefit Fund to donating £1 million to Horizon Youth Zone. We’re committed to investing in local people, creating opportunities, and supporting the communities we serve.”
