Ørsted to discontinue Hornsea 4 offshore wind project: comment
Comment on Ørsted announcement to discontinue Hornsea 4 offshore wind project
By Dr Simon Cran-McGreehin
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Commenting on the news that Ørsted has decided to discontinue the Hornsea 4 project in its current form [1], Dr Simon Cran-McGreehin, Head of Analysis at the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), said:
"Offshore wind is key to improving the UK's energy security and cutting bills, by reducing our dependence on imported gas and reducing our exposure to international fossil fuel markets. So it's a cruel irony that the lingering gas crisis is largely to blame for pushing up supply chain costs for crucial offshore wind projects.
"Experts are clear that the Government has levers to help these projects, and knows that we simply can't afford the alternative of blundering into the next gas crisis with our current chronic level of gas dependence and without more renewables to stabilise prices. [2] Following recent changes to the upcoming Contracts for Difference auction [3], it's essential that the Government makes sure AR7 delivers so that its clean energy ambitions can stay on track."
Notes to editors:
1. Ørsted to discontinue the Hornsea 4 offshore wind project in its current form: https://orsted.com/en/company-announcement-list/2025/05/orsted-to-discontinue-the-hornsea-4-offshore-wind--143901911
2. The Energy Crisis Commission said that the UK is dangerously underprepared for another energy crisis because it remains heavily reliant on gas for electricity and home heating: https://energycrisiscommission.uk/
3. https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/further-reforms-to-the-contracts-for-difference-scheme-for-allocation-round-7
For more information or for interview requests:
George Smeeton, Head of Communications, ECIU, Tel: 07894 571 153, email: george.smeeton@eciu.net