The UK Crown Estate is set to launch a competitive tender process this month to find a new developer for the Morgan offshore wind site in the Irish Sea. This site, which has the potential to deliver up to 1.5GW of capacity, was initially awarded through the Offshore Wind Leasing Round 4 in 2021. However, development was discontinued by EnBW and JERA Nex BP in January 2026.
Project Background
The Morgan site was part of a larger initiative to expand the UK's renewable energy capacity. Initially, EnBW and JERA Nex BP were responsible for its development. However, after EnBW decided to exit the Morgan and Mona offshore wind projects, JERA Nex BP acquired EnBW’s stake in the 1.5GW Mona but returned the Morgan lease rights to the Crown Estate.
Current Status
Morgan secured a development consent order for its generation assets in August 2025 and is awaiting a decision on the transmission assets associated with the 480MW Morecambe offshore wind farm. The decision on the transmission consent is expected in September. The site currently holds a grid connection agreement with the National Energy System Operator.
Future Plans
The tender process for the Morgan site is separate from Leasing Round 6, which the Crown Estate plans to launch in the first half of 2027. Gus Jaspert, managing director for marine at the Crown Estate, expressed optimism about bringing the site back to market and securing a new developer to realize its potential.
"We’re pleased to be bringing this site back to market, following a considered assessment of a range of options, and look forward to securing a new developer to realise its potential," said Gus Jaspert.
Implications for the Market
The re-tendering of the Morgan site represents a significant opportunity for developers in the renewable energy sector. With the potential to power up to 1.5 million homes, the project is a key component of the UK's strategy to increase its renewable energy capacity. The outcome of the tender process and the subsequent development of the site will be closely watched by commodity traders and analysts, as it could influence energy market dynamics in the region.
| Project | Capacity (GW) | Status | Developer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morgan | 1.5 | Tendering | TBD |
| Mona | 1.5 | Development | JERA Nex BP |
The tender process and the eventual selection of a new developer will be critical in determining the future of the Morgan offshore wind site and its contribution to the UK's renewable energy targets.
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