By
Nana Terra
June 30, 2022
Updated
September 12, 2023
Source: Nuttawut Uttamaharad/Shutterstock
Offshore wind energy is the key strategy in the global race against time to meet net-zero emissions, save the planet, and boost well-paid jobs. Although Chinese installations have dominated global additions in recent years, Europe is the world’s most mature offshore wind region.
The ‘old continent’ has been a pioneer in the sector over the last decade, and new offshore wind capacity additions are poised to hit a record high this year. According to the Rystad Energy research, Europe can top 4GW for the first time and more than double additions seen in 2021.
The UK can drive the record-high capacity additions in Europe with three projects that are expected to be fully commissioned still in 2022: the Hornsea Two, The Moray East and Triton Knoll. These projects will add 3.2GW of capacity and will be the most significant projects in Europe in 2022.
Top 3 European offshore wind projects in 2022
The UK is set to lead the capacity additions up to 2025 in Europe, but other countries, such as Germany and France, will also play increasingly significant roles in the offshore wind sector.
Source: Mahambah/Shutterstock
Hornsea Two
Hornsea Two Offshore Wind Farm is the second phase of the Hornsea Zone. It is located approximately 89 km off the Yorkshire coast in the North Sea and adjacent to Hornsea One, the world's largest offshore wind farm.
The project will have 165 Siemens Gamesa 8MW offshore wind turbines and become fully operational in 2022, led by Ørsted. Once complete, Hornsea Two will have a capacity of over 1.3GW, providing energy to power more than 1.3 million homes.
Moray East
With 950MW of capacity, Moray East will power around 950,000 UK homes and generate sufficient electricity to save 1.4 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually.
The wind farm will be operated by Ocean Winds in Moray Firth, 22km from shore, and is expected to be operational by 2022.
Triton Knoll
The power output of Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm constructed by RWE will be 857MW. The project will generate sufficient electricity to meet 800,000 homes each year.
Located in the Greater Wash area, approximately 32 km off the coast of Lincolnshire, the wind farm will feature up to 90 turbines with water depths between 18m and 24m. The power will come ashore at a new grid substation to be built at Mumby.
Crown Estate approval was given via the second round of the offshore wind development process.
Want to know about other European offshore wind projects? Click here to read 10 projects to watch.
Offshore wind energy challenges in Europe
2021 was the best year ever for the global offshore wind industry. European governments have set the target of 450GW of offshore wind by 2050 and 116GW between 2022 and 2026. But how to build an extensive, reliable, affordable supply chain critical to support these goals?
A monumental effort will be required from cities, businesses, regions and investors in the offshore wind market
Technology and Innovation
Floating wind technologies, hydrogen energy storage solutions and offshore robust cabling innovations have been developed in the region in order to meet Europe's target. €8 billion in investment is needed in grid expansion by 2030 through hybrid projects, grid integration and energy islands.
Human capital
The Global Energy Talent Index (GETI), the world's most comprehensive energy recruitment and employment trends report by Airswift and Energy Jobline, indicated that technical skills are now the most important for creating a flexible, future-proof workforce.
Companies are sourcing the right talent, and the industry faces a skill shortage. Engineering and planning have the most significant gap in the clean energy industry. Learn more about what skills can empower the green workforce and how clean energy companies attract and retain talent.
Offshore wind energy opportunities in Europe
Wind energy's growth will be fundamental for the environment and the world's post-pandemic economic recovery. Renewable energy will create up to 43 million new jobs by 2050, and the wind energy sector could accommodate 5.5 million jobs.
According to the Global Wind Workforce Outlook 2021-2025, of the 480,000 trained workers needed worldwide, 308,000 will be employed to build and maintain onshore wind projects and 172,000 for offshore wind farms.
Source: Sorapop Udomsri/Shutterstock
Jobs in demand
Are you a technical and engineering professional planning your next career move? We have worked with many candidates from diverse sectors looking to become an integral part of the energy transition.
See a list of offshore wind jobs we have been recruiting in Europe.
- Project Engineer (Cable & Foundation Installation)
- Electrical Engineer (Cable Design)
- Project Planner
- HV/FO Jointer
- Project Manager
- FROSIO or NACE qualified Coatings Specialists
- Contracts Managers (FIDIC)
- Structural Engineers
- Supply Chain & Procurement
- Engineers with experience delivering floating offshore wind structures
Want more insight into talent trends in the renewable energy industry? Click the link below to download our latest whitepaper.
How Airswift can help you deliver offshore wind projects
The industry is changing fast, and the workforce is one of the biggest challenges in the sector. It's not about 2050; it's about today. Human resources are a critical element in the energy transition.
Our recruitment team works with key companies, consulting with clients, hiring managers, and candidates in this space. With over 60 offices worldwide, 1,000 employees, and more than 9,000 contractors, Airswift has supported energy companies for 40 years.
From our offices in Europe (Denmark, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and United Kingdom), we can support you throughout the full life cycle of your project in areas such as cable engineering, offshore installation, fabrication and inspection, commissioning and O&M.
Contact us if you are looking for talent for wind farms and clean energy projects.
This is one of the articles of the series on Wind Energy Projects in Europe. Read also:
