Project for world's largest floating wind farms 'brings opportunities'

NORTH Devon could be set to benefit from an 'exciting new frontier' as the UK leads a new era in offshore renewable energy, with two of the world's largest floating windfarms set to be developed off the coast.

- by LEWIS CLARKE

The Crown Estate has selected energy giants Equinor and the Gwynt Glas partnership - formed by EDF Renewables UK and ESB - as preferred bidders to deliver the pioneering projects off the coast of Wales and the South West.

Announced on Thursday the move is expected to power more than four million homes and spark a billion-pound boost to the UK economy, creating thousands of new jobs and opening new opportunities for port development and apprenticeships.

The initiative forms part of Offshore Wind Leasing Round 5, launched at the beginning of the year, with the goal of unlocking up to 4.5 gigawatts of renewable energy. The Crown Estate also confirmed it will explore a third site to achieve the full target, with further updates expected by the end of September 2025.