Ørsted: Offshore wind giant joins consortium of firms working to secure investment and growth in Humber
Offshore wind giant Ørsted has joined a consortium of major energy firms in the region as the firm signed up to the Humber Energy Board (HEB).
Ørsted currently operates 12 offshore wind farms around the UK, having to date invested more than £18bn.
Many of the firm’s wind farms are operated from the Humber, with Ørsted’s East Coast Hub located in Grimsby. Ørsted’s North Sea developments include Hornsea One, Two and Three, the latter of which is currently in construction.
Emma Toulson, head of UK stakeholder relations at Ørsted, said: “We’re really pleased to be joining the Humber Energy Board and to be working alongside so many organisations that share our ambition for the region.
“The Humber has played a central role in Ørsted’s UK offshore wind story for almost two decades. From Grimsby, we operate some of the world’s largest offshore wind farms, support skilled jobs and work closely with local partners to help deliver lasting benefits for communities.
“Joining HEB is a natural next step for us.”
Of the £18bn invested by Ørsted in the UK in offshore wind, almost £10bn of that has been made in the Humber. When the firm’s Hornsea Three windfarm begins operating in 2027, Ørsted expects to generate around 10 per cent of the UK’s electricity.
HEB now represents 17 organisations, working to secure investment, policy support and long-term economic growth for the region.
In May, HEB welcomed six new members – Shell UK, energy technology company Siemens Energy, global energy logistics company Exolum, the operator of Britain’s national gas
HEB managing director, Dr Iain Harris, said: “Ørsted has made a huge contribution to the Humber’s economy for many years now, and we’re delighted to welcome them as the newest member of the Humber Energy Board.
“The diversity and strength of our membership stand as a powerful reminder of the scale of impact of the energy sector in the Humber and the enormous further opportunity for the region.
“We stand at a pivotal moment in our region’s proud history. Now is the time to re-energise the Humber, regenerate industry and create the economic conditions that enable businesses and communities to thrive.”
Ørsted’s Hornsea One and Hornsea Two wind farms, which are now in operation, are located over 70 miles off the Yorkshire coast. In May last year, Ørsted announced that it would discontinue its Hornsea Four project “in its current form”, adding that it would “evaluate options for future development” of the scheme.