The UK is marking 25 years since offshore wind first began supplying clean electricity to the national grid. As part of this milestone, Ørsted is highlighting the contribution of Grimsby, which has developed into one of the world’s leading centres for offshore wind operations.
In 2024, offshore wind produced a record 17% of the UK’s electricity, equating to 48.5TWh. A substantial proportion of this output is connected to offshore wind farms operated from Ørsted’s East Coast Hub at the Royal Docks in Grimsby. From this location, teams oversee the operation and maintenance of wind farms across the country, including six sites off the East Coast, supplying power to millions of homes and businesses.
The Grimsby offshore wind hub is underpinned by a large and diverse workforce. Almost 700 people are currently employed across Ørsted’s East Coast operations and at Humberside Airport. Roles range from turbine technicians and marine specialists to data analysts and apprentices. Across the Humber region, Ørsted employs people in 148 different job roles, with nearly half working as wind turbine technicians delivering offshore operations and maintenance.
The majority of this workforce is local. Around three-quarters of Ørsted’s East Coast team live within an hour of Grimsby, reflecting the extent to which offshore wind activity is embedded within the surrounding community.
Investment in the area extends beyond employment. Since 2016, the East Coast Community Fund has distributed more than £4 million to nearly 300 projects across coastal Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Alongside this, up to £75,000 each year is allocated to the Skills Fund to support access to qualifications and new career pathways. To date, more than £600,000 has funded 33 skills and training initiatives.
Educational engagement remains a key element of this work. A recent grant of £11,015 supported Franklin Sixth Form College’s sixth annual STEM event, which attracted a record 1,789 students from 23 local schools. The programme included practical workshops and a Careers & Progression Evening with more than 100 exhibitors, providing exposure to careers in engineering, renewable energy, healthcare, game design and other sectors.
Emma Swinburn, Franklin Sixth Form College, said: “This event is fundamental in raising awareness and aspirations. We’re so grateful to the East Coast Community Fund for making it possible.”
Ørsted has also contributed £1 million towards the Horizon Youth Zone, scheduled to open in 2026, and has supported the Ørsted Great Grimsby 10k for the past decade.
Looking ahead, Grimsby’s position within the offshore wind sector is set to continue. Hornsea 3, due for completion in 2027, is expected to become the world’s largest offshore wind farm. Once operational, it will generate clean electricity for 3.3 million homes, reinforcing the Grimsby offshore wind hub as a cornerstone of the UK’s renewable energy system.
The town’s role has attracted international interest. Grimsby has featured in visits from Guy Martin for Great British Power Trip and from CBS 60 Minutes, both of which highlighted its place in the UK’s clean energy transition.
Ørsted’s East Coast Hub is also associated with an existing Guinness World Record. Hornsea 2 is officially recognised as the world’s largest offshore wind farm, with 165 turbines capable of generating enough renewable electricity to power more than 1.4 million UK homes.
Darren Ramshaw, Head of Generation UK East at Ørsted: said: “As the UK marks 25 years of offshore wind, we’re proud that Grimsby has been at the heart of our East Coast operations for half of that time. Our operations are key to the energy transition, but our support doesn’t stop there. We have embedded ourselves in the local community, from school visits, to our East Coast Community Benefit Fund to donating £1 million to Horizon Youth Zone. We’re committed to investing in local people, creating opportunities, and supporting the communities we serve.”
