UK Backs Giant Floating Wind Projects in Celtic Sea Push
The UK has taken a major step in expanding its offshore wind sector with the launch of two new floating wind projects in the Celtic Sea — a move expected to create thousands of jobs, bring over £1 billion in investment, and further solidify the country’s leadership in renewable energy.
The Crown Estate announced this week that it has selected two experienced developer groups — Equinor and Gwynt Glas (a joint venture between EDF Renewables UK and ESB) — to deliver up to 4.5 gigawatts (GW) of floating offshore wind capacity off the coasts of Wales and South West England. That’s enough clean electricity to power more than four million homes.
These will be among the largest floating windfarms in the world, marking the UK’s entry into a new phase of offshore development. Unlike traditional fixed-bottom turbines, floating technology allows turbines to be deployed in deeper waters, opening up vast new areas like the Celtic Sea for energy generation.
The announcement comes as wind power cements its place at the heart of the UK’s electricity system. In 2024, wind was the country’s largest single source of power, generating 30% of electricity — more than natural gas. The majority came from offshore projects, underscoring the growing importance of marine wind farms as older fossil sources like coal near phase-out and gas plays a reduced backup role.
The two new windfarms are the first to come out of Offshore Wind Leasing Round 5 — launched in early 2024 — with a third site expected to follow. In total, up to 4.5 GW of new capacity is planned, with further development of 4–10 GW across the Celtic Sea possible by 2030.
As part of its wider strategy, The Crown Estate also announced plans to invest up to £400 million in UK offshore wind infrastructure — including port upgrades and supply chain development — under new investment powers granted in 2025. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the floating wind projects would be “transformative for economic growth in Wales and the South West,” helping to unlock thousands of jobs and boost UK energy security.
As the UK works to meet its net-zero and energy security goals, floating offshore wind is set to play an increasingly strategic role — not just in cutting emissions, but in building out the clean energy economy.