WindEurope statement on the pausing of Hornsea 4

8 May 2025

The pause on Hornsea 4 shows how difficult it is to get offshore wind projects over the line. Costs can go up between bidding in an auction and procuring equipment, and auctions have to be fully indexed to reflect that. More broadly, the investors who make projects happen need a return. The value in a project is more important to them than when a project is built. Governments want projects now and lots of them – sure. The industry want that too. But the first priority for industry will always be value. Governments need to make sure that value is always achievable. Then they’ll get the volumes they want.

Only last month the wind industry proposed a “new deal” for offshore wind. Where Governments commit to value, visibility and volumes – and the industry delivers on those volumes, and the scale-up reduces costs and electricity bills.