Ørsted, a renewable energy leader, is moving ahead with a major push into offshore wind. The Hornsea 3 project, planned about 160 kilometers off Britain’s east coast near the North Sea and Yorkshire, is set to become the world’s largest offshore wind farm. With a capacity of 2.9 gigawatts, construction is targeted to finish by late 2027.
The Danish company confirmed it has approved the investment, marking Hornsea 3 as the third park within the same regional cluster following Hornsea 1 and Hornsea 2, both currently operated by Ørsted. The Hornsea projects form a key part of the company’s UK footprint, with the operation based in Grimsby, a port city that serves as a hub for offshore wind activity.
Ørsted emphasized that the UK remains a core market for its offshore wind portfolio, highlighting strong policy support and ambitious development targets. The company operates a total of twelve offshore wind parks in the United Kingdom, and it highlighted its expertise gained through the Hornsea series after being awarded the tender for Hornsea 3 in July 2022.
Regarding the potential future expansion of the Hornsea program, the energy group noted that the project benefits from a well-established supply chain and synergies with Hornsea 1 and 2, contributing to a favorable risk–reward profile for Hornsea 3.
It will mark a substantial milestone for the sector as the world’s largest offshore wind facility once commissioned. The project will rely on Siemens Gamesa turbines configured at SG 14-236 DD, each rated at 14 MW, with turbine capacity enhancements expected to optimize performance. The 2.9 GW output is expected to deliver significant low-cost renewable electricity, enough to power a substantial portion of the UK housing market.
During its construction, the Hornsea 3 development is anticipated to create thousands of jobs, with estimates indicating several thousand roles in the build phase and a sizable number of permanent positions within the broader supply chain once operations begin. The overall Hornsea trio, comprising Hornsea 1, Hornsea 2, and Hornsea 3, is projected to exceed 5 GW of installed capacity, potentially positioning it as the largest operational offshore wind complex worldwide.
Plans for Hornsea 4, also under Ørsted’s umbrella, could add as much as 2.6 GW to the region’s offshore wind capacity, further expanding the company’s offshore wind leadership in the UK.
— This overview reflects the ongoing evolution of North Sea offshore wind projects and the role of major developers in shaping the regional energy landscape. The information is presented with attribution to company statements and industry announcements from Ørsted and associated partners.