Development consent order granted for Awel y Môr offshore windfarm

The project will be located alongside the already operational 576-MW Gwynt y Môr offshore windfarm. 

Development is being led by RWE, which also operates north Wales’ other offshore windfarms, Gwynt y Môr, North Hoyle and Rhyl Flats. It is being developed by RWE in a joint venture with partners Stadtwerke München (30%) and Siemens Financial Services, the financing arm of Siemens (10%).  

Awel y Môr is due to be operational before 2030 with a maximum of 50 turbines at a maximum height of 332 m.

The awarding of the Development Consent Order by the Secretary of State is the culmination of more than five years work and RWE is now awaiting the granting of the necessary marine licence from Natural Resources Wales, to progress the project into construction.

RWE project lead for the windfarm Tamsyn Rowe said, “We hope to secure our marine licence in the coming months and carry out offshore site investigations on the seabed as we begin to finalise plans for construction.”

RWE is also working on plans to prepare the local supply chain so that the immediate region, as well as the wider UK, can potentially reap the benefits of the multi-billion investment which the project represents. 

RWE director of development for UK and Ireland Danielle Lane said, “To make this project happen, will need a suitable contract for difference auction that is fit for purpose and capable of unlocking the fantastic clean energy and investment opportunities that Awel y Mor and our broader offshore wind portfolio represent for the UK’s supply chain and its ambitions to expand offshore wind, decarbonise the energy system and achieve net zero.”