In a strategic move to strengthen energy security and accelerate the transition to clean power, The Crown Estate has confirmed the implementation of its Capacity Increase Programme, unlocking an additional 4.7 GW of capacity across seven offshore wind farms located off the coasts of England and Wales. This initiative represents a significant step towards the UK Government’s target of deploying up to 50 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030.

The programme will generate enough clean electricity to power up to four million homes, directly contributing to reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting the decarbonisation of the national grid by 2035.

Strategic Projects Paving the Way for a Clean Energy Future

The seven projects set to benefit from this capacity boost are: Awel y Môr, Dudgeon Extension, Sheringham Shoal Extension, North Falls, Five Estuaries, Rampion 2, and Dogger Bank D. These sites already have established grid connections and supporting infrastructure, enabling the swift rollout of capacity enhancements.

“Our purpose is to create lasting and shared prosperity for the nation. Offshore wind enables us to achieve this by driving economic growth through job creation and supply chain development,” states Gus Jaspert, Managing Director, Marine at The Crown Estate. He further highlights that this programme is an effective way to deliver clean, secure power to millions of homes, significantly reducing the UK’s dependence on internationally sourced fossil fuels.

A Firm Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

Prior to approving the programme, a comprehensive Habitats Regulations Assessment was conducted to evaluate potential impacts on protected habitats and species. Based on the findings, The Crown Estate recommended to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero that the programme should proceed, subject to environmental compensation measures to mitigate identified impacts. This recommendation has now been formally accepted by the UK Government.

“Balancing the needs of energy and nature is a responsibility we take very seriously, and we have confidence in the environmental compensation measures that will accompany this programme,” Jaspert affirms. He also underscores that the institution’s Marine Delivery Routemap, a leading collaborative planning framework, will play a crucial role in guiding future decisions and minimising ecological impacts wherever possible.

Economic Growth Backed by New Investment Powers

Beyond its contribution to the UK’s energy transition, the programme is expected to deliver a significant economic boost, creating both direct and indirect employment opportunities and strengthening the local supply chain.

This announcement comes shortly after the introduction of the Crown Estate Act 2025, a landmark reform that grants The Crown Estate new borrowing and investment powers, providing greater financial flexibility. These enhanced powers will support long-term initiatives focused on decarbonisation, energy security, nature recovery, inclusive community development, and sustainable economic growth.

Through these actions, The Crown Estate reaffirms its strategic leadership in marine resource management and its pivotal role in advancing the UK’s position as a global leader in offshore wind energy.