The Crown Estate has announced plans for a new offshore wind leasing round that could add at least 6GW of capacity in the UK.
The Offshore Wind Leasing Round 6 is being planned for the first half of 2027 as part of its efforts to accelerate clean energy growth.
It is also expected to help create up to 10,000 direct jobs and a potential economic boost of more than £12 billion.
The majority of sites is expected to be off the coast of the North East of England.
The UK’s offshore wind pipeline has a current capacity of nearly 17GW and a further 12GW under construction.
Dan Labbad, Chief Executive at The Crown Estate, said: “The UK leads the world in offshore wind and we should celebrate this national success story. A new leasing round centred in the North East could create billions of pounds in value for the UK economy, generating more jobs and lower cost energy for communities and businesses.
“We’re excited to be working with national and regional partners to turn the UK’s offshore wind leadership into the next decade of jobs, investment and energy security.”
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband added: “I know the conflict in the Middle East is worrying for families across the North East because when global prices spike, people feel concerned about what the future holds.
“By building more clean, homegrown power here in Britain and backing places like Blyth, where offshore wind first took off in the UK, we can show how the country can learn the lessons from the war in Iran and cut our dependence on fossil fuels and protect people from future shocks.”
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