Sumitomo Corporation has acquired a one-third stake in the Gwynt Glas floating offshore windfarm project in the Celtic Sea, joining EDF power solutions UK and Ireland and Irish state-owned ESB as equal partners. The value of the deal was not disclosed, but the project, which secured an option from the Crown Estate last year, is expected to generate 1.5 gigawatts of clean energy.
Strategic partnership for Celtic Sea wind
The Gwynt Glas project is one of three floating offshore windfarms being developed under the Crown Estate's offshore wind leasing round five. The other two straddle Welsh and English waters, with one located solely in English waters. Once fully operational in the mid-2030s, the trio will have a combined capacity of 4.5 gigawatts, enough to power more than four million homes, create over 5,000 direct and supply chain jobs, and deliver a £1.5bn economic boost.
Sumitomo's entry marks a significant milestone for the project, which has already submitted its scoping report to the Planning Inspectorate this summer. The Japanese conglomerate brings extensive global experience in offshore wind development and investment, complementing the expertise of EDF and ESB.
Industry leaders welcome investment
Matthieu Hue, chief executive of EDF power solutions UK and Ireland, said: "We are delighted to welcome Sumitomo Corporation to the Gwynt Glas team. Their extensive global experience in offshore wind development and investment complements our own and ESB's, creating a powerful partnership dedicated to delivering this vital project for Wales and the UK. We look forward to working closely with our new and existing partners."
Jim Dollard, executive director of generation and trading at ESB, echoed the sentiment: "We are delighted to welcome Sumitomo Corporation to the Gwynt Glas project, and are looking forward to working with them together alongside our longstanding partners, EDF power solutions UK and Ireland. This marks another significant step at this stage of the project – one which is so important to us at ESB as offshore wind will be a cornerstone of the delivery of our net zero carbon emissions strategy."
Sumitomo's commitment to UK energy transition
Jun Minase, general manager of the Overseas Energy Solutions SBU at Sumitomo Corporation, stated: "We are delighted to join the Gwynt Glas project. As a large-scale floating offshore wind development being advanced by EDF power solutions UK and Ireland and ESB, the project represents an important opportunity to contribute to the energy transition. Leveraging our experience and expertise in both the UK market and the offshore wind sector, Sumitomo Corporation will work closely with its partners to support the successful development of the Project and enhance its long-term value.
"The United Kingdom remains an important strategic market for Sumitomo Corporation. Through this investment, we aim to contribute to the UK Government's Net Zero 2050 ambitions while supporting the energy transition and the realisation of a more sustainable society."
Project details and future prospects
All three Celtic Sea floating windfarms will seek contract for difference (CfD) support from the UK Government to ensure commercial viability of the energy produced. The turbines, which could reach heights of 300 metres – comparable to London's Shard building – will be mounted on floating platforms similar in size to a football pitch and anchored to the seabed with enormous chains.
The Gwynt Glas project continues to make strong progress, with its scoping report submitted to the Planning Inspectorate this summer. This investment by Sumitomo underscores the growing international interest in the UK's offshore wind sector and its potential to drive economic growth while advancing the transition to clean energy.
