
Reading Time: 3 minutes
RWE, a global leader in offshore renewables, is celebrating a major clean energy milestone: ten years of electricity generation at Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm, located off the coast of North Wales.
With an installed capacity of 576 megawatts (MW), Gwynt y Môr remains the largest operating renewable energy project in Wales. At its inauguration in June 2015, it was the second-largest offshore wind farm in the world. Over the past decade, it has become a symbol of clean power generation, delivering long-term, skilled employment and significant economic investment to local communities and supply chain partners across the region.
Between June 2015 and June 2025, Gwynt y Môr is estimated to have generated enough clean electricity to:
- Power approximately 5.5 million typical Welsh and UK homes (equivalent to 550,000 homes per year),
- Drive 257 million electric vehicles over 400 km,
- Run 205 million light bulbs continuously for a year.
The project is a joint venture between RWE (50%), Stadtwerke München GmbH (30%), and Macquarie’s Green Investment Group (20%). RWE led the development and construction of the 160-turbine site and continues to operate it on behalf of its partners.
RWE is now advancing the next phase of offshore wind development in Wales through the Awel y Môr project, located west of Gwynt y Môr. With approval for 50 turbines, it is currently Wales’ largest consented renewable energy project.
To mark the anniversary, RWE staff past and present came together to celebrate a decade of operations. The milestone was also recognised by Welsh politicians, including Dame Nia Griffith, MP for Llanelli, and Becky Gittins, MP for Clwyd East, who visited the turbines and met with staff and contractors.
Since its inception, Gwynt y Môr has played a key role in regional economic development. The project spurred significant upgrades at the Port of Mostyn, including the construction of a purpose-built Operations and Maintenance base, which created over 100 long-term, skilled jobs. A new pontoon landing stage was also installed, allowing Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) to operate at lower tides—enhancing the port’s competitiveness. Sven Utermöhlen, RWE CEO Offshore Wind said, “A decade of operation at Gwynt y Môr is a defining moment for RWE, the region, and our passionate team. This wind farm has been at the heart of transforming North Wales into a hub of expertise for offshore wind energy and has set a blueprint for potential new projects across the UK. The experience RWE has gained here has been instrumental in establishing our company as one of the world’s offshore wind leaders and a key player in the UK power sector.”
Dame Nia Griffith MP, said: “Gwynt y Môr shows how renewable energy projects can bring extraordinary benefits, not only by powering hundreds of thousands of homes and tackling climate change, but by strengthening communities, creating opportunities, and enhancing skills. It’s inspiring to see the ongoing contribution it makes to a more sustainable future for Wales.”
Beyond infrastructure, the project has helped shape the region’s workforce. RWE collaborated with Coleg Llandrillo to launch a bespoke offshore wind apprenticeship programme in response to the operational needs of Gwynt y Môr. This initiative has since become RWE’s national hub for apprentice training in the UK.
Gwynt y Môr has also brought meaningful investment into surrounding communities. During its construction phase, a £690,000 Tourism Fund supported several local projects, including the development of the Green Links Cycle Trail. Connecting Prestatyn to Rhos-on-Sea, the trail has boosted local tourism and improved access to regional attractions.