π Project Overview
Hornsea Three will be one of the largest offshore wind farms in the world when built. Consented in 2020, Γrsted temporarily withdrew from the AR5 CfD auction citing rising costs but re-engaged with AR6. With 231 planned turbines generating up to 2,852 MW, the project faces significant grid connection challenges at this distance from shore, making HVDC export cables likely.
Site Schematic
Schematic diagram β not to scale. Illustrative layout based on project specifications.
β‘ Key Facts
One of the largest consented offshore wind projects in the world
Γrsted withdrew from AR5 2023 auction over rising inflation costs
Distance from shore may require HVDC export cables (first for UK offshore)
Would power over 3 million UK homes annually
Grid connection substation at Bicker Fen required for project to proceed
Turbine selection not yet finalised β SG 14-222 or successor likely
π§ Technical Specifications
| Capacity (MW) | 2,955 MW |
| No. of turbines/units | 231 |
| Turbine / unit model | Siemens Gamesa SG 14-222 DD (planned) |
| Unit capacity | 13 MW each |
| Rotor diameter | 222 m |
| Hub height | 150 m |
| Foundation type | Monopile (XL) or Jacket |
| Water depth | 30β50 m |
| Distance from shore | 160 km |
| Site area | 695 kmΒ² |
| Annual output | 10,500 GWh/year |
| Homes powered | 3,200,000 homes |
π Grid Connection & Infrastructure
| Grid connection point | Bicker Fen, Lincolnshire (new 400 kV substation) |
| Voltage | 400 kV |
| Export cable | HVDC planned β distance requires direct current transmission |
| CfD held | No (merchant / PPA) |
π’ Development & Ownership
| Developer | Γrsted |
| Owner / operator | Γrsted |
| Year consented | 2020 |
| Construction started | 2026 |
| Commissioned / target | 2027 |
| Capex estimate | ~Β£8β10 billion estimated |
| Location | 160β200 km off the Yorkshire/Lincolnshire coast |
| Region | North Sea |
| Coordinates | 54Β°N, 2.4Β°E |
π Project Timeline
2017
Application submitted to Planning Inspectorate
Dec 2020
Development Consent Order granted
2023
Γrsted withdraws from CfD AR5 citing cost pressures
2024
Re-engagement with AR6 and revised project timeline
2026
Construction targeted start (subject to FID)
πΏ Environmental & Planning
Largest EIA ever submitted for a UK offshore wind project at time of application. Key concerns: impact on North Sea bird flight paths (especially terns and gannets), cumulative impact alongside H1/H2, and shipping route conflicts. HRA screening conducted for nearby Humber SPA.