RWE, a leading global player in offshore renewables, is celebrating a significant milestone: ten years of continuous electricity generation at its Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm, located off the coast of North Wales. Operational since June 2015, the 576-megawatt (MW) facility remains Wales' largest operating renewable energy project and was the world's second-largest offshore wind farm at its inauguration. This decade of operation underscores its pivotal role in the UK's clean energy transition, delivering substantial economic investment and creating skilled employment opportunities across the region.

Over the past decade, Gwynt y Môr has generated an estimated 5.5 million typical Welsh and UK homes' worth of clean electricity, equivalent to powering 550,000 homes annually. This output also represents enough clean energy to drive 257 million electric vehicles over 400 km or run 205 million light bulbs continuously for a year. The project, a joint venture between RWE (50%), Stadtwerke München GmbH (30%), and Macquarie’s Green Investment Group (20%), exemplifies successful large-scale renewable energy deployment. RWE has overseen its development, construction, and ongoing operation of the 160-turbine site.

The wind farm's establishment spurred significant regional economic development, notably through upgrades at the Port of Mostyn. These enhancements included the construction of a purpose-built Operations and Maintenance base, which alone created over 100 long-term, skilled jobs. A new pontoon landing stage was also installed, improving the port’s competitiveness by enabling Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) to operate at lower tides.

Sven Utermöhlen, RWE CEO Offshore Wind, highlighted the project's impact: “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 echoed this sentiment, stating, “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.”

Beyond infrastructure, Gwynt y Môr has significantly contributed to workforce development. RWE collaborated with Coleg Llandrillo to establish a bespoke offshore wind apprenticeship program, which has since become RWE’s national hub for apprentice training in the UK. Furthermore, the project's construction phase included a £690,000 Tourism Fund, supporting local initiatives like the Green Links Cycle Trail, which has boosted regional tourism and improved access to attractions.

Building on this success, RWE is now advancing the Awel y Môr project, located west of Gwynt y Môr. With approval for 50 turbines, it represents Wales’ largest consented renewable energy project, poised to further solidify the region's role in the UK's energy transition.