Crown Estate lines up North East-focused offshore wind leasing
The move is aimed at kickstarting the next wave of project development, with potential to generate billions in investment and 25,000 jobs.
The proposed Leasing Round 6 could unlock at least 6GW of new capacity, with the majority of sites expected off the North East coast.
The planned leasing round by The Crown Estate will drive significant offshore engineering works, alongside onshore infrastructure, grid upgrades, and port investment, particularly around hubs like Port of Blyth.
While site details and delivery models are still to be defined, the exercise signals the government’s intent to scale up the UK’s offshore wind pipeline and attract developer interest ahead of the next build-out cycle.
The Crown Estate has begun early market engagement on the offshore wind leasing round, with a formal launch targeted for 2027.
The decision will place the North East at the heart of the UK’s next phase of offshore wind growth, with the region’s deepwater ports at Blyth, Sunderland and on the Tyne in prime position to support new wind farms – from manufacturing and assembly through to installation and long-term maintenance.
The hope is that new offshore wind sites will drive multi-billion-pound private investment by energy firms and create thousands of skilled jobs across ports, supply chains, construction, engineering, and operations, with opportunities for people right across the region.
Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create new jobs and improve our country’s long-term energy security. We want to double our green energy jobs in the North East to 50,000 and with new offshore wind sites off our coast we’re on the path to do just that.
“I’m proud to launch our £130m Plan for Green Jobs, which will get people the training they need while investing in our ports and green energy sites. This means our region can attract major global investment and ensure that local people are first in line for the secure, well-paid jobs we’ll deliver – not just for a few years, but for decades to come.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Teesside is leading the UK’s offshore wind revolution and we’ve put in the work to attract major investment in the sector, grow our local supply chain and deliver the high-quality jobs our people deserve.
“This is great news from The Crown Estate and is exactly the kind of investment Teesside is ready and waiting for. We’ve got the skills, the workforce and the ambition to grow even further, and this will help cement our region’s place at the centre of the UK’s clean energy ambitions.”
Luke Campbell, Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, said: “What matters to people in Hull and East Yorkshire is having access to good, skilled jobs and secure work close to home.
“Investments like this are important to our region. My priority is making sure it leads to roles for our residents, with the training and skills to match.”
Julian Leslie, strategic energy planning director and chief engineer at NESO, said: “As the strategic energy planner for Great Britain, we’re working closely with The Crown Estate to ensure that the final outcome of the upcoming Leasing Round 6 is informed by Britain’s future strategic energy needs, which will be set out in our Strategic Spatial Energy Plan.
“By working closely with organisations such as The Crown Estate we can enable a more coordinated, efficient and effective transition by providing the government-endorsed direction on future energy requirements.
“This should give confidence to investors and support the timely delivery of network infrastructure, both reducing costs for the consumer whilst ensuring the optimum path to a secure, low cost, low carbon future.”
