Wales set to become floating wind powerhouse as Celtic Sea leases agreed
Wales set to become floating wind powerhouse as Celtic Sea leases agreed
Wales is poised to become a central hub for the UK’s emerging floating offshore wind industry, following the selection of two major windfarm projects in the Celtic Sea. The announcement, part of The Crown Estate’s Offshore Wind Leasing Round 5, positions Welsh ports, communities, and workers at the forefront of the UK’s clean energy transition.
The winning developers, Norwegian energy giant Equinor and Gwynt Glas, a joint venture between EDF Renewables UK and Ireland’s ESB, will lead the delivery of up to 4.5 gigawatts (GW) of floating wind capacity, enough to power more than four million homes across the UK.
With one of the projects located off the Welsh coast and Port Talbot identified as a likely construction and assembly site, the initiative is expected to bring transformative investment to Wales’ coastal economy. Industry analysts estimate the development could support over 5,000 new jobs and deliver a £1.4 billion boost to the wider UK economy, with a significant share of that in Wales.
“This is a hugely significant moment for the clean energy industry in Wales and one which will have a positive impact for generations to come,” said Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales. “Floating offshore wind will help deliver the transition to clean energy, bring down bills for households and help secure the UK’s home-grown energy supply.”
A key part of the winning bids includes commitments to develop port infrastructure and local supply chains. Port Talbot, one of Wales’ most best located deepwater ports, has been earmarked for final assembly of the massive floating turbines. This will involve constructing specialised infrastructure capable of mounting turbines onto floating foundations before they are deployed at sea.
Preferred bidders have committed to workforce development, including ensuring at least 3.5% of the project workforce are apprentices and that a minimum of 10% of employees aged 19–24 come from NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) backgrounds. These targets align with Welsh Government priorities to support inclusive economic growth.
Rebecca Evans, Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, welcomed the announcement: “The establishment of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea marks the start of a new industrial opportunity for Wales. We are working to ensure our ports, people and businesses are ready to seize the benefits of this transition.”
The projects are among the largest floating wind initiatives in the world and signal the start of what could become a major new industry in the Celtic Sea. The Crown Estate has identified the potential for an additional 4 to 10 GW of floating wind capacity in the region by 2030.
Floating offshore wind is a next-generation renewable technology that enables turbines to be deployed in deeper waters than conventional fixed-bottom systems, unlocking vast untapped energy potential off the Welsh coast.
To further support the sector, The Crown Estate also announced a £400 million investment in offshore wind supply chains, focusing on enabling infrastructure and port readiness, including sites in Wales.
Equinor and Gwynt Glas bring extensive experience in offshore wind to the Celtic Sea project. The Gwynt Glas venture is also working with Pembrokeshire-based DP Energy to ensure local engagement and regional expertise are embedded into the development process.
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EDF Renewables UK CEO Matthieu Hue called the project “a crucial step toward helping the UK maintain its leadership in floating wind,” while ESB’s Executive Director Jim Dollard noted the Celtic Sea’s “strategic importance” to Ireland and the UK’s shared net-zero ambitions.
The combination of global expertise and Welsh local partnerships has been welcomed by stakeholders including the British Ports Association, which views floating wind as a catalyst for job creation, port regeneration, and industrial growth.
With lease agreements expected to be signed in autumn and full deployment to follow over the next decade, Wales is now firmly positioned as a leader in the next phase of the offshore energy revolution. The floating wind industry promises not just clean power but a generational opportunity for economic transformation in the nation’s coastal regions.
Director of RenewableUK Cymru Jessica Hooper said: “We welcome this announcement of the first two large-scale floating wind sites in the Celtic Sea, as this technology has the potential to be transformative for the Welsh economy. Wales is poised to play a leading role in offshore wind. Over the next decade alone, there is up to £32 billion in economic value at stake, a £4.8 billion opportunity for Welsh businesses, alongside more than 3,000 well-paid jobs.”
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