UK to launch new leasing round for offshore wind in early 2027

The UK’s seabed manager said Leasing Round 6 could accommodate a capacity of around 6 GW or more, predominantly in the northeast of England and in water depths suitable for fixed-bottom wind, subject to stakeholder engagement and taking into account the National Energy System Operator’s (NESO’s) strategic plans for energy and for electricity networks. 

According to The Crown Estate, a 6-GW capacity leasing round could result in the creation of up to 10,000 direct jobs and a potential economic boost to the UK of over £12Bn.

Further areas of seabed opportunity have been identified across the southwest, Wales and other regions, which may form the basis of subsequent leasing rounds.

The Crown Estate will now engage further with stakeholders across a range of sectors, including nature and offshore wind, to refine the exact size and locations of the sites, as well as the best approach for the tender process, including the commercial model, to make sure its design meets the needs of the market and the UK. 

This will be the first leasing round brought to market using The Crown Estate’s innovative Marine Delivery Routemap, which considers spatial data from several sectors dependent on the sea space, providing greater long-term visibility on how the seabed can be developed and to inform its future leasing, licensing and sector plans. 

This greater visibility is also supporting closer collaboration with NESO, helping to ensure Leasing Round 6 will be the first leasing round to be fully aligned with the UK’s evolving energy system through NESO’s SSEP. 

The Crown Estate chief executive Dan Labbad said, “The UK leads the world in offshore wind, and we should celebrate this national success story. A new leasing round centred in the northeast 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.” 

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said, “Offshore wind is one of Britain’s great economic success stories – powering homes, creating skilled jobs and strengthening our energy security at a time when it matters more than ever. By setting out this clear path for the sector’s next phase of growth, we are giving the industry the long-term certainty it needs to invest and deliver. With northeast jobs at the heart of these plans, we are driving growth across the country.” 

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said, “By building more clean, homegrown power here in Britain, 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.” 

Responding to The Crown Estate’s announcement, Offshore Wind Industry Council and Ocean Winds UK country manager Adam Morrison said, “OWIC is delighted to see The Crown Estate bring forward plans for Leasing Round 6. This provides an opportunity to add further strength and visibility to our existing, high-quality development pipeline in the UK. It is particularly well-timed as we see another wave of projects secure contracts in AR7 and AR8 this year and progress towards realisation.

“In addition to the secure, clean energy that is enabled, these leasing rounds also create enormous economic opportunity and showcase what offshore wind can deliver at a regional level around the country.”