Corio-Total Get Green Light for 1.5GW Outer Dowsing

Why It Matters

Securing consent moves the project toward delivering substantial low‑carbon capacity, reinforcing the UK’s offshore wind targets and energy security. The investment also fuels regional job growth and supply‑chain activity.

Key Takeaways

• Planning consent granted for 1.5 GW Outer Dowsing project.
• 100 turbines to power 1.6 million UK homes.
• Construction to start 2027, commissioning 2030.
• £2 billion investment, 1,000 construction jobs.
• Missed CfD round, will bid in AR8.

Pulse Analysis

The UK’s offshore wind agenda has accelerated dramatically over the past decade, driven by ambitious renewable targets and supportive policy frameworks. By 2030, the nation aims to host more than 50 GW of offshore capacity, positioning itself as a global leader in clean energy. The Outer Dowsing consent aligns with this trajectory, adding a sizable 1.5 GW block that will help close the gap between current generation and the government’s goal of delivering 40 GW of offshore wind by 2030. This development also illustrates how coordinated planning between developers and regulators can streamline approvals for large‑scale projects.

Outer Dowsing’s technical blueprint features a 100‑turbine array connected to a new National Grid substation at Weston Marsh, with export cables landing at Wolla Bank and feeding into existing overhead lines. The developers have incorporated seasonal construction restrictions and design tweaks to address environmental concerns raised by Natural England and other statutory consultees, reflecting a growing industry emphasis on biodiversity mitigation. Although the project did not secure a Contracts for Difference award in Allocation Round 7, its eligibility for the upcoming AR8 round keeps it financially viable, while the three‑year build‑out plan starting in 2027 provides a clear timeline for stakeholders.

From a market perspective, the £2 billion investment underscores the confidence of major energy players like TotalEnergies and Corio in the UK’s offshore wind pipeline. The anticipated 1,000 construction jobs will stimulate local economies and deepen the domestic supply chain, from turbine manufacturing to cable installation. As the sector prepares for the next CfD auction, projects such as Outer Dowsing set a benchmark for balancing scale, environmental stewardship, and financial structuring, reinforcing the UK’s position as an attractive hub for renewable infrastructure investment.

Corio-Total get green light for 1.5GW Outer Dowsing

100‑turbine array off east England expected to enter production by 2030 · 10 February 2026

UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has granted planning consent to Corio and TotalEnergies’ 1.5 GW Outer Dowsing wind farm off east England.

A final determination had initially been due by 10 October 2025 after the Planning Inspectorate completed a six‑month examination of the 100‑turbine project’s DCO application last April.

However, the deadline was subsequently postponed until today (10 February) to allow officials sufficient time to request and consult on further information.

Outer Dowsing Project Director David Few said:

“This is great news for the project and for the country, as it means Outer Dowsing is one step closer to building enough UK‑generated power to supply 1.6 million homes using the renewable energy of the wind.

“We would like to thank all those who have contributed to the project so far. Together, our efforts are making a major contribution to the UK Government’s clean power ambitions and our future energy security.”

Nicolas Payer, Country Chair for TotalEnergies UK, added:

“TotalEnergies is delighted that the Outer Dowsing project has reached this important milestone. TotalEnergies has been a long‑term investor in this project, which will make a significant contribution to providing low‑carbon power to homes and businesses across the UK.”

Corio Generation Head of Europe Sharn Warn said:

“The consent award for Outer Dowsing comes after four years of hard work by some of the most talented individuals in the industry and is a testament to the thorough and diligent approach undertaken by the project team.”

The Round 4 project is due to connect in November 2030 to a new National Grid substation at Weston Marsh in Lincolnshire that will feed into existing overhead lines.

Export cables will make landfall at Wolla Bank and run via an onshore substation at Surfleet Marsh.

Evidence heard during the DCO examination included representations from Ørsted and Equinor on mitigation for projected wake effects at neighbouring wind farms operated by the duo.

The Outer Dowsing developers also proposed seasonal restrictions on construction and various other design changes to address environmental concerns raised by statutory consultees, including Natural England.

The project did not secure a Contracts for Difference in January’s Allocation Round 7 and will be eligible to bid in AR8.

A three‑year build‑out is scheduled to start in 2027.

The project is expected to create £2 billion of UK investment in its lifetime and 1,000 UK‑based jobs during construction.