Shippingtelegraph: Sumitomo invests first time in UK Floating Offshore Wind Project

Published by shippingtelegraph

The Tokyo-headquartered multi-business company Sumitomo Corporation announced the acquisition of a 33.3% equity interest in the Gwynt Glas Offshore Wind Farm being developed by EDF power solutions UK and Ireland and Electricity Supply Board in the Celtic Sea off the United Kingdom.

The project involves the development, construction and operation of a floating offshore wind farm with a planned generation capacity of up to 1.5 GW, located around 40 kilometers off the coast of the UK in the Celtic Sea.

This marks Sumitomo Corporation’s first participation in a floating offshore wind project after its first investment in a European offshore wind project in 2014.

The UK government has positioned offshore wind as a key large-scale power source in achieving its Net Zero 2050 target. 

In 2025, Sumitomo Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding with the UK’s Office for Investment under the Department for Business and Trade, now the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, to promote business investment in the United Kingdom. 

The Gwynt Glas Offshore Wind Farm is owned by EDF power solutions UK and Ireland 33.3%, ESB 33.3%, Sumitomo Corporation 33.3%, with expected commercial operation to start late 2030’s.

Jun Minase, General Manager, Overseas Energy Solutions SBU at Sumitomo Corporation, commented: “As a large-scale floating offshore wind development being advanced by EDF power solutions UK and Ireland and ESB, the Project represents an important opportunity to contribute to the energy transition.

“Leveraging our experience and expertise in both the UK market and the offshore wind sector, Sumitomo Corporation will work closely with its partners to support the successful development of the Project and enhance its long-term value.

“The United Kingdom remains an important strategic market for Sumitomo Corporation. Through this investment, we aim to contribute to the UK Government’s Net Zero 2050 ambitions while supporting the energy transition and the realization of a more sustainable society.”