The UK's Crown Estate has initiated the second phase of its offshore wind leasing round 5, targeting the development of a new generation of Celtic Sea floating wind farms.

The second phase began on 8 August 2024 and invites bidders to present detailed plans for the construction of the wind farms and their potential socio-economic contributions to coastal communities in South Wales and southwest England.

The progression to this phase was made possible by comprehensive environmental assessments and surveys conducted by the Crown Estate, ensuring the marine ecosystem is safeguarded.

The importance of this development is underscored by the Crown Estate's research, published in February 2024, which projected 5,000 new jobs and a £1.4bn economic uplift from the Celtic Sea floating wind farms' supply chain.

Bidders are encouraged to submit proposals that may encompass skill-building initiatives, apprenticeships, community engagement, sustainable procurement practices and ecological restoration efforts.

They are required to specify their collaboration plans with local ports, identifying a primary and an alternative port for wind farm assembly.

These proposals will become binding commitments within the lease agreements for the successful bidders.

The second phase follows the completion of the pre-qualification questionnaire in June 2024, which saw a robust response from offshore wind developers, confirming their eligibility for the next stage.

Round 5 marks the first leasing round to be launched with a pre-established grid connection strategy, as the electricity systems operator has released its network design recommendation for the Celtic Sea.

Crown Estate marine managing director Gus Jaspert stated: “The UK’s offshore wind industry is a global success story, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and contributing billions to the UK economy.

“As the need for new offshore wind capacity increases, we have challenged ourselves to find ways to accelerate its deployment.”

In July 2024, the UK government revealed a new partnership between the recently established state-run Great British Energy (GB Energy) and the Crown Estate.

The collaboration aims to enhance investment in renewable energy and strengthen energy security.