- The Five Estuaries project aims for a 1080MW capacity, powering up to 1 million UK homes.
- Sumitomo joined the project in 2020 and submitted a development consent application in March 2024.
- Power generation is targeted to commence after 2030.
- The project is located 37 km off the UK coast in the North Sea.
Project Overview
Sumitomo Corporation announced that the Five Estuaries Offshore Wind Farm has received a Development Consent Order from the UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. The project, in which Sumitomo is a joint investor, aims for a maximum installed generation capacity of 1080MW, capable of powering up to 1 million UK households annually.
Development Timeline
Sumitomo joined the project in 2020, securing seabed option rights and advancing development with environmental surveys. The development consent application was submitted to the UK Government in March 2024. The company will now participate in the auction process to obtain a Contract for Difference (CfD) as it moves toward a final investment decision. Power generation is targeted to commence after 2030.
Project Details
Located approximately 37 km off the UK coast in the North Sea, the project covers 128 km² at depths of 22–60 m and is planned as a bottom-fixed offshore wind farm. It will feature up to 79 turbines with a maximum blade tip height of 370 m. Shareholders include RWE Renewables UK Limited, a consortium managed by Macquarie Asset Management, ESB II UK Limited, and Sumitomo Corporation.
Sumitomo's European Experience
Since 2014, Sumitomo has been involved in offshore wind projects in Europe, including three in Belgium and the Galloper Wind Farm in the UK. The company is also developing two projects in France. In July 2025, Sumitomo signed a memorandum of understanding with the UK government to support existing and new projects, including the Five Estuaries Project, leveraging its expertise to advance the UK's clean energy sector.
