Vattenfall: Large-scale UK offshore wind project halted

Swedish giant Vattenfall is pulling the plug on development of the Norfolk Boreas offshore wind project in the UK due to rising costs, undermining the UK's renewable energy ambitions. Difficult market conditions, including a stressed supply chain and inadequate tax frameworks, are prompting the Group to reassess its wind power projects in the Norfolk region.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Swedish electricity group Vattenfall is halting development of one of the UK’s largest offshore wind projects because of soaring costs, dealing a blow to the UK’s renewable energy ambitions.

Vattenfall reassesses its Norfolk wind projects following difficult market conditions

“Vattenfall is halting development of the Norfolk Boreas offshore wind project in the UK,” the group said in an earnings release on Thursday.

“Wind power is essential for clean, safe and affordable electricity”, but “conditions are extremely difficult in the sector at the moment”, comments managing director Anna Borg in a statement received by AFP.

It lists “a supply chain under pressure, rising investment costs and tax frameworks that do not reflect current market realities”.

While the Group, one of Europe’s leading wind energy producers, “still believes in the fundamentals of the Norfolk projects”, in the east of England.

“Given market conditions we are halting development of the Norfolk Boreas project and re-evaluating the best course of action for the three projects” in this region, she concludes.

The Swedish group was already facing a difficult 2022, with profits close to zero, and a heavy loss in the last quarter due to major asset write-downs linked to the energy crisis in Europe.

Ørsted has signed an agreement to divest 55% of its Greater Changhua 2 offshore wind farm to Cathay Life Insurance, valuing the transaction at approximately DKK5bn ($735mn).
Scottish ministers have approved Boralex’s Clashindarroch wind farm extension, which will include up to 21 turbines and a 50 MW storage capacity.
The Québec government has approved three wind projects totalling 792 MW to meet growing energy demand and support regional economies in Bas-Saint-Laurent and Capitale-Nationale.
French group ENGIE has officially commissioned the Serra do Assuruá complex in the State of Bahia, making it its largest onshore wind project worldwide.
RWE signed a 15-year power purchase agreement with Indiana Michigan Power for the Prairie Creek project, aimed at supporting Indiana’s growing electricity demand starting in 2028.
EDP has signed a long-term electricity supply agreement with Energa for a 322 MW hybrid portfolio combining wind and solar, marking one of the largest contracts of its kind in Poland.
Ocean Winds has deployed a LiDAR buoy off Gippsland to collect accurate data on wind and currents, a key step in its 1.3 GW offshore wind project in Australia.
TerraWind Renewables acquires five projects totalling 255MW in northern Japan, bringing its onshore wind development capacity to 327MW and targeting first commercial operation in 2028.
A consortium led by EDF power solutions has signed a 20-year agreement with Nama PWP to develop a 120 MW wind farm in southeastern Oman, with commissioning scheduled for Q3 2027.
Microsoft expands its partnership with Iberdrola through two new power purchase agreements in Spain, reinforcing its European energy strategy while deepening the use of cloud and artificial intelligence solutions from the US group.
Casa dos Ventos awards Vestas the supply, construction and maintenance of a 184-turbine complex in the state of Piauí, with an investment exceeding $1.01bn.
Warsaw tests long-term support for offshore wind with a structured tender to maximise competition, reduce financial risk and reassure a supply chain under pressure across Europe.
TotalEnergies has sold 50% of a portfolio of wind and solar projects in Greece to Asterion Industrial Partners, valued at €508mn ($554mn), while retaining operational control and the main share of electricity marketing.
Italy’s offshore wind rollout remains at a standstill, freezing over 18 GW of pending projects and weakening national renewable energy targets.
German manufacturer Nordex has secured an order for 34 turbines for a 200 MW project in the Canadian province of New Brunswick, marking its first entry into this region.
OX2 has started construction on three new onshore wind farms in Finland, bringing its total installed capacity in the country to 750 MW, a record level for a private energy sector player.
Italian group Enel has acquired two onshore wind farms in Germany for an enterprise value of €80mn ($86.5mn), strengthening its presence in a stable and strategic market as part of a targeted asset transfer.
EDF power solutions announces commercial operation of the San Kraal wind farm, the first unit of the 420MW Koruson 1 project, with full commissioning expected in early 2026.
Q ENERGY has announced the entry of three local and citizen-based partners into the capital of the Ventajou wind farm, marking its first strategic equity opening to institutional and community investors.
The Norwegian government has allocated two areas of the Utsira Nord project to the Equinor–Vårgrønn and EDF–Deep Wind Offshore consortia, launching a preparatory phase before a competitive state aid auction.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.