Plans for a major offshore wind hub at Belfast Harbour (pictured) have taken a significant step forward following confirmation of a £100m-plus agreement with the developers of the Mona and Morgan offshore wind farms in the Irish Sea.
EnBW and JERA Nex bp, the joint developers behind the two projects, have signed a lease for Belfast Harbour’s D1 terminal, which will serve as the assembly and marshalling base for turbine components for both schemes.
Once operational, Mona and Morgan could deliver up to 3GW of capacity, generating enough clean power for the equivalent of around three million UK homes each year.
The projects represent a major contribution to the UK’s energy security, emissions reduction and long-term net-zero goals.
To prepare the port for its new role, enabling works are under way at Belfast Harbour, with the site expected to be ready for use from 2028.
The commitment is expected to create around 300 jobs, supporting regional economic growth and strengthening Northern Ireland’s renewable energy supply chain.
The announcement was welcomed by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who said the deal exemplifies the government’s drive to expand clean power generation across the country.
Prime Minister Starmer said: “It’s full speed ahead in our mission to bring about the clean power revolution – delivering energy security, getting bills down for good and generating growth in communities across the UK.
“Creating skilled, well-paid jobs across Great Yarmouth, Belfast and Greater Manchester, this is national renewal in action – championing the interests of working people all over the country.
“I won’t let down future generations. At COP30 I will continue to show UK leadership on the world stage to work with others to stand up for our values and our future.”
Nathalie Oosterlinck, chief executive of JERA Nex bp, said: “The Mona and Morgan joint venture’s planned commitment of over £100 million to Belfast Harbour is a direct contribution to the infrastructure needed to drive the energy transition.
“This highlights the power of collaboration in driving energy security – the offshore wind industry can not only power millions of homes with clean, homegrown energy but also support job creation and local economic growth.
“It’s a clear demonstration of how strategic investments in renewable energy can make a lasting impact on both the environment and the economy.”
Belfast Harbour chair Dr Theresa Donaldson said: “Belfast is the only port on the island of Ireland with offshore wind capabilities and we are delighted to work with the Mona and Morgan projects, whose commitment will position the port and local supply chain as central to the deployment of high-capacity wind farms, helping meet demand for clean energy as Northern Ireland, Ireland and Great Britain strive to reach net-zero targets.
“As offshore wind technology evolves, ports will play an increasingly central role and Belfast Harbour is uniquely placed thanks to the combination of our existing facility, our expertise, local supply chain and location to be a key enabler of the power stations of the future in the Irish, Celtic and North Seas.”
As a trust port, Belfast Harbour reinvests all profits into port and estate operations. The latest deal has enabled the port to invest £90m in new construction at its D3 terminal, creating a dual-purpose facility for cruise ships and offshore wind projects.
The first stage of the D3 project, involving a deepwater berth, is already under construction, while stage two will reinforce the terminal to handle the next generation of wind turbines with components weighing over 1,000 tonnes.
The works will also provide shore power so that vessels can operate on clean energy while docked.