Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam — In a strategic move to strengthen its position in the fast-growing renewable energy market, Refrigeration Electrical Engineering Corporation (REE Energy) has announced the establishment of two new subsidiaries dedicated to developing wind power projects in southern Vietnam. This initiative marks another major step in REE’s long-term ambition to become a leading renewable energy investor in Vietnam.
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REE’s New Subsidiaries Powering Southern Vietnam’s Wind Ambitions
According to the company’s latest board resolution, REE Duyen Hai 2 Wind Power Co., Ltd. and REE Duyen Hai 3 Wind Power Co., Ltd. will spearhead the development of phase two nearshore wind power projects in Vinh Long province.
REE Duyen Hai 2 will oversee the V1-3 phase-two wind power plant, with a projected investment of VND2,260 billion ($85.79 million), including VND677 billion ($25.7 million) in equity.
REE Duyen Hai 3 will manage the V1-5 and V1-6 phase-two wind farms, with a total investment of VND3,860 billion ($146.53 million).
Both companies will be fully owned and funded in cash by REE Energy and are expected to complete investment by Q4 2025. The projects are designed to enter commercial operation by late 2026, contributing an estimated 80 MW of clean power to the grid.
According to Vietcap Securities, these projects could generate VND123 billion ($4.67 million) in post-tax profit, with an average selling price of 7.7 US cents/kWh, potentially driving 10% of REE’s earnings growth by 2027. The projects boast an internal rate of return (IRR) of 11.8%.
Vietnam’s Wind Power Transformation: From Policy to Progress
Vietnam has become one of Asia’s most ambitious wind power nations, targeting 6–17 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030–2035 and 26–38 GW of onshore capacity by 2030.
The country’s Ministry of Industry and Trade recently issued Decision 1508/QĐ-BCT, raising tariff caps for wind energy—by 18% for onshore and 9% for nearshore projects—providing new financial incentives for investors like REE.
Phu Lac 2 Wind power project Vietnam with 48 MW capacity, Location: Tra Vinh Provience, Image: REE
REE’s current renewable portfolio already includes successful projects such as Tra Vinh V1-3, Phu Lac 2, and Loi Hai 2, all operational since 2021. These wind farms benefit from fixed preferential FiT rates of US 9.8 cents/kWh for offshore and US 8.5 cents/kWh for onshore projects for 20 years.
Vietnam’s wind energy developments now contribute approximately 90,000 MWh of clean electricity annually to the national grid, powering 48,000 households and reducing CO₂ emissions by about 72,000 metric tons every year.
Why This Matters
REE Energy was Vietnam’s first company to transform from a state-owned enterprise into a public company under equitization in 1993 and became the first listed company on the Vietnam Stock Exchange in 2000.
Its proactive shift into wind and solar investmentsacross the Mekong Delta and central regions reflects Vietnam’s wider vision of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. With these two new wind subsidiaries, REE is not only diversifying its energy assets but also reinforcing its role as a driving force in Vietnam’s renewable energy revolution.
Vinh Long Wind Project Key Takeaways
Company: REE Energy (HoSE: REE)
Projects: V1-3, V1-5, V1-6 Wind Power (Vinh Long Province)
Capacity: 80 MW (phase-two nearshore wind)
Total Investment: ~VND6,120 billion (~$232 million)
Expected ROI: 11.8%; 10% contribution to 2027 earnings
National Goal: 6–17 GW offshore & 26–38 GW onshore wind by 2035
Conclusion: Vietnam’s Renewable Energy Future Gains Momentum
As Vietnam continues to modernize its power mix, REE Energy’s expansion symbolizes the next phase of clean energy leadership. With the new subsidiaries and favorable tariff policies, the country is well on track to becoming a major player in the global wind energy landscape—fueling sustainable growth, cleaner air, and a stronger green economy for generations ahead.
Al Yamamah Steel Industries Company, a specialist in steel tower manufacturing, has officially entered the Saudi Arabian wind energy sector with the launch of its Al Yamamah Wind Energy Systems Factory in Yanbu Industrial City. Supported by the Arab Ministry of Energy, the factory marks a major step toward achieving the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to generate 50% of the nation’s electricity from renewable energy sources, to reach a total installed capacity of 130 GW, aiming for a target of 40 GW from wind power.
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A Landmark for Saudi Vision 2030
The new facility represents a significant leap in the Kingdom’s clean energy transformation. The project is designed to advance Saudi Vision 2030 Clean Power roadmap, reducing reliance on fossil fuels while creating new opportunities in the green manufacturing sector.
With the Ministry of Energy’s supervision, Al Yamamah Steel Industries Company demonstrates its growing commitment to sustainable development, aligning with the nation’s broader clean energy strategy and global sustainability goals.
One of the Most Advanced Steel Tower Facilities
The Al Yamamah Wind Energy Systems Factory in Yanbu Industrial City is equipped with cutting-edge technology and precision engineering capabilities. The plant boasts an annual production capacity of 50,000 tons of high-quality steel towers, each capable of reaching heights over 130 meters and diameters up to 6 meters—specifically designed to support the latest generation of wind turbines. Managed by a team of specialized engineers and industry professionals, the Yanbu facility offers an innovative work environment that promotes technical excellence and continuous improvement. The factory not only supplies local projects but also positions itself as a global supplier to international wind energy markets, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s industrial export base
At the dawn of the new millennium, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia witnessed remarkable development across all sectors—unprecedented in both speed and scale. The nation moved far beyond constructing modern homes and city roads to establishing vast economic and industrial cities strategically located throughout the Kingdom.
To strengthen logistics and connectivity, these economic and industrial hubs were linked through an extensive network of modern highways and railroads, forming part of Saudi Vision 2030—a bold national initiative aimed at diversifying the economy and positioning the Kingdom as a global hub connecting three continents.
In 2003, Al Yamamah Company for Reinforcing Steel Bars was founded, marking a new chapter in the nation’s industrial progress. The company built a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Yanbu Industrial City to meet the growing demand for reinforcing steel bars essential to Saudi Arabia’s massive infrastructure and development projects—introducing a strong new name in the global steel manufacturing industry
— Eng.Mohammed Al Wehaiby
This facility is one of the most advanced of its kind in the region, placing Saudi Arabia at the forefront of localized wind tower manufacturing and reinforcing its leadership in renewable energy innovation.
Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s Clean Energy Future
This initiative underlines Al Yamamah Steel Industries Company’s national responsibility and active role in advancing the Yanbu Industrial City renewable energy transition. By supporting domestic wind turbine tower manufacturing and technology development, the company helps to solidify the Kingdom’s position as both a regional and global leader in the renewable energy sector.
The successful start of commercial production in Yanbu highlights the rapid growth of the Saudi wind energy industry, signaling a new chapter in the Kingdom’s ongoing journey toward sustainability, innovation, and economic diversification.
The California Energy Commission has committed USD 225.7 million to offshore wind port development, marking a significant step in advancing the state’s clean energy infrastructure. The investment will upgrade port facilities to support floating offshore wind projects along California’s coast, helping the state achieve its ambitious goal of 25 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2045.
Nancy Kirshner-Rodriguez of Oceantic Network praised the move, saying it will generate long-term jobs and economic growth while positioning California as a leader in offshore wind developmet.
Port Upgrades to Support Offshore Wind Expansion
The $225.7 million funding is part of the state’s current budget and focuses on upgrading California ports for the emerging offshore wind sector. Port improvements will include enhanced loading facilities, specialized equipment for turbine assembly, and improved transportation infrastructure for wind components.
Oceanic Network highlighted that the state’s leadership contrasts with federal delays, emphasizing that the state is driving offshore wind port development forward.
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State Goals and Federal Context
In 2022, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) auctioned five lease areas offshore California, raising over $757 million for future floating offshore wind projects—the first of its kind in the U.S.
The California Energy Commission (CEC) also updated the state’s offshore wind targets that year, reinforcing a long-term vision of 25 GW of offshore wind by 2045. Additional support came from the 2024 climate bond, which allocated USD 475 million toward offshore wind port infrastructure.
Legislative Support and Policy Measures
Earlier this year, Assembly Bill 472 proposed integrating funding assessments for offshore wind ports into the governor’s five-year infrastructure plan. According to Offshore Wind of the state, the measure enjoys bipartisan support, with 75% of Californians backing offshore wind development.
The legislation ensures that port infrastructure, transmission, and other resources are aligned to support California offshore wind investment and the state’s clean energy targets.
Economic and Job Impacts
State leaders emphasize that the port upgrades will deliver economic activity and new job opportunities across coastal regions. Over the next three and a half years, California’s ports, transmission, and other critical infrastructure will be positioned to accelerate offshore wind development, complementing solar, storage, and onshore wind resources.
Conclusion
California’s $225.7 million commitment to offshore wind port development demonstrates the state’s leadership in renewable energy. By upgrading ports and supporting floating offshore wind projects, California is not only creating jobs but also advancing its clean energy and climate goals, setting a benchmark for the U.S. in clean energy infrastructure investment.
FAQs
Q1: What is the purpose of California’s $225.7M investment?
A1: The funds will upgrade ports to support offshore wind projects, including turbine assembly, transportation, and related infrastructure.
Q2: How much offshore wind capacity is California targeting?
A2: The state aims to achieve 25 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2045, with floating offshore wind playing a key role.
Q3: Which agencies are involved in California offshore wind development?
A3: Key agencies include the California Energy Commission (CEC), the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), and local port authorities, alongside private partners like Oceantic Network.
A major shift in the UK’s clean energy landscape is coming—and it’s set to center on how China’s $2 billion wind turbine investment in Scotland could reshape the country’s renewable ambitions.
Chinese wind giant Ming Yang Smart Energy has proposed building a massive turbine manufacturing facility at the port of Ardshear in the Scottish Highlands, promising 1,500 new Scotland renewable energy jobs and a new industrial ecosystem for offshore wind manufacturing generation.
While the plan could boost the UK’s renewables supply chain, it has also raised concerns within Whitehall about national security and foreign investment in vital energy infrastructure. Let’s find out why.
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$2 Billion Wind Turbine Investment UK
Ming Yang says its proposed Scottish factory would represent a multi-phase investment of around £2bn (£1.5bn). The first phase—expected to start production in late 2028—will cost around £750m and will focus on producing advanced turbines for the European market.
In the next phase, the company plans to build a complete offshore wind industry ecosystem, including supply chain partners, training programs, and research facilities.
Ming Yang chairman Zhang Chuanwei called the project a “commitment to accelerating the global energy transition through innovation and community-centric energy solutions.”
UK government hesitation over Chinese wind investment
Despite Ming Yang’s public optimism, the UK government has yet to approve the plan.
A senior UK government source said the company “seems to be trying to outmaneuver us,” insisting that national security concerns should be fully assessed before any approval is given.
A UK government spokesman confirmed the latter and cited:
“This is one of a number of companies looking to invest in the UK. Any decision taken will be consistent with our national security.”
The government’s delay is said to be due to intelligence and security reviews surrounding the involvement of foreign technology in the UK’s energy infrastructure—particularly in light of tensions over China’s strategic role in key sectors.
Scotland’s renewable energy vision and industrial strategy
However, the Scottish government sees the proposed project as strategically important.
First Minister John Sweeney has repeatedly said that floating offshore wind is “central to my vision for Scotland’s future as a modern and dynamic nation.”
Edinburgh officials argue that the Ardersea project is fully aligned with Scotland’s industrial strategy, which identifies floating wind turbines as a “first-mover advantage” sector. With more than 40 gigawatts of potential offshore capacity—including 25 gigawatts of floating wind—Scotland sees Ming Yang Investment UK as crucial to achieving its renewable energy expansion goals.
The Scottish Government, however, views the proposed project as strategically important. First Minister John Swinney has repeatedly said that floating offshore wind is “central to my vision for Scotland’s future as a modern and dynamic nation.”
Officials in Edinburgh argue that the Ardersier project aligns perfectly with Scotland’s industrial strategy, which identifies floating wind turbines as a “first-mover advantage” sector. With over 40 GW of potential offshore capacity—including 25 GW of floating wind—Scotland sees Ming Yang’s investment as critical to realizing its renewable energy expansion goals.
Economic Promise vs. Political Risk
While supporters highlight the 1,500 jobs, technology transfer, and offshore wind capacity expansion, critics warn about overreliance on Chinese manufacturing. Some MPs and U.S. officials have urged caution, noting that even though Ming Yang is privately owned, Chinese companies can face state influence under Beijing’s policies.
A government insider described the approval process as “delayed but deliberate,” adding that “patience is finite—there’s a lot of investment and jobs waiting for this decision.”
Meanwhile, Kate Forbes, Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, said there remains “room for Ming Yang to open a factory in Scotland,” stressing that final approval rests with the UK government.
What’s Next
A government official recently told the Financial Times that a decision on the Ming Yang project is “imminent.” If approved, construction could begin as early as 2026, with the factory fully operational by 2028, producing turbines for projects across the UK and Northern Europe.
However, the project’s fate will depend on how London balances economic opportunity, energy security, and geopolitical caution—three pillars shaping the UK’s clean energy policy.
Conclusion
As the UK strives to become a global clean energy leader, the debate over how China’s $2 billion wind turbine investment in Scotland continues to test the balance between sustainability and sovereignty.
Whether seen as a bold step toward green industrialization or a risky geopolitical gamble, the outcome will reveal how open Britain truly is to global partnerships in its clean energy future.
FAQ
Q1: What is the value of China’s wind turbine investment in Scotland? The proposed investment is up to $2 billion by Ming Yang Smart Energy to build a large-scale wind turbine manufacturing facility.
Q2: Why is this project controversial? Concerns revolve around national security, foreign influence, and the strategic control of energy infrastructure.
Q3: What benefits does the project offer Scotland? It could create hundreds of local jobs, boost offshore wind supply chains, and support Scotland’s 2045 net-zero target.
Q4: When could the project start? If approved, construction could begin by 2026, with turbine production starting around 2028–2029.
Google 27 Years Journey is more than the story of a search engine—it is the extraordinary rise of a company that has become both a technological powerhouse and a renewable energy investments leader. What began in a California garage in 1998 has grown into a global empire shaping how the world communicates, navigates, and works every single day.
Even in an age dominated by artificial intelligence rivals like ChatGPT and Bing AI, Google remains unmatched in its influence. As of September 4, 2025, the company controls a staggering 90.4% of the global search market, cementing its status as the backbone of the internet. But Google’s evolution isn’t limited to algorithms and digital dominance. Over the past 27 years, it has steadily built a parallel legacy—one rooted in clean energy, sustainability, and a bold ambition to achieve 24/7 carbon-free operations by 2030.
What makes Google’s journey truly remarkable is not only its ability to adapt to technological shifts but also its willingness to lead on the most urgent challenge of our time: the climate crisis. Today, Google is no longer just a consumer of energy—it is a pioneer, investor, and global advocate for renewable power, shaping markets from Taiwan to the Netherlands.
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What Sparked Google 27 Years Journey Toward Sustainability?
When Larry Page and Sergey Brin founded Google in a Menlo Park garage in 1998, their mission was simple yet ambitious: to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. What they could not have fully imagined back then was how the company’s trajectory would eventually reshape not just the digital landscape but also the global clean energy movement.
Over the past 27 years, Google has grown into one of the world’s most powerful technology companies, processing billions of searches daily, running massive cloud data centers, and driving advancements in artificial intelligence. Yet, behind this technological growth lies another equally ambitious mission—to achieve 24/7 carbon-free energy across all its global operations by 2030.
The question of sustainability emerged as Google’s data needs skyrocketed. Power-hungry servers required enormous electricity, which, if sourced from fossil fuels, would lock the company into a high-emission future. To solve this, Google decided to lead rather than follow, reshaping its corporate DNA around clean energy innovation.
How Did Google Move From Early Carbon Commitments to Global Leadership?
Google was one of the first major corporations to declare itself carbon neutral in 2007. At that time, the tech industry was only beginning to acknowledge its environmental footprint, but Google had already set the tone. The company balanced its energy consumption with investments in renewable energy credits (RECs), offsetting emissions while beginning to build real renewable projects.
By 2017, Google became the first major company to match 100% of its global electricity consumption with renewable energy purchases. That milestone positioned Google as both a climate-conscious innovator and a market shaper, forcing utilities and policymakers to pay attention.
But Google didn’t stop there. Rather than being satisfied with annual matching, it announced in 2020 its most ambitious energy goal yet: to power its entire business on 24/7 carbon-free energy (CFE) by 2030. Unlike traditional renewable commitments, this means ensuring that at every hour, in every region, Google’s operations are fueled by clean sources—solar, wind, geothermal, and emerging technologies like advanced energy storage.
This commitment pushed Google beyond offsets into deeper partnerships with developers, utilities, and governments. Its approach became an energy model for industries worldwide.
From Big Tech to Big Green: The Sustainability Race
The world’s biggest technology companies are no longer just competing on products and AI — they are also racing to decarbonize. Google, Apple, and Microsoft have each set ambitious climate targets that go far beyond their own operations, reshaping supply chains, energy use, and global sustainability standards.
By mandating renewable energy adoption among suppliers, investing in low-carbon materials, and funding carbon removal projects, these companies are rewriting the rulebook on how technology is made—and pushing the entire industry toward net-zero with ambitious AI and clean energy goals.
Apple: Full Carbon-Neutral Supply Chain 2030
Apple has achieved carbon neutrality for its global operations and is striving to make its entire supply chain and products fully carbon neutral. Image: Apple
Apple has committed to achieving a fully carbon-neutral supply chain by 2030, covering offices, retail, manufacturing, logistics, and the entire product life cycle—responsible for over 75% of its emissions. To reach this goal, Apple is pushing suppliers to adopt renewable energy, prioritizing recycled materials, and shifting to 100% renewable electricity across operations. Apple introduced Clean Energy Charging in the U.S. via iOS 16, optimizing iPhone charging for times when cleaner power sources, like solar or wind, are on the grid.
Through its scale and influence, Apple is not just cutting emissions in its own operations but reshaping global supply chains and supporting climate resilience in vulnerable communities.
Beyond its operations, Apple is driving community-based climate solutions worldwide:
Africa (Namibia & Zimbabwe): Partnering with WWF’s Climate Crowd to promote climate-smart agriculture, clean cookstoves, beekeeping, and rainwater harvesting.
China: Working with the China Green Carbon Foundation to expand nature-based carbon sinks in Sichuan and pilot carbon removal in urban Chengdu.
Kenya (Chyulu Hills): Partnering with Conservation International to restore rangelands, store carbon, and train Maasai communities in sustainable grazing.
Europe, Middle East & North Africa: Launching with ChangemakerXchange to empower 100 youth-led climate innovators with skills, networks, and funding, beginning at COP27 in Egypt.
“Fighting climate change remains one of Apple’s most urgent priorities, and moments like this put action to those words,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with suppliers to achieve a carbon-neutral supply chain by 2030. Climate action at Apple doesn’t stop at our doors—through this work, we aim to be a ripple in the pond that drives broader change.”
Microsoft: Carbon-Negative by 2030
Microsoft has committed to becoming carbon negative by 2030, removing more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits. Its plan includes using 100% renewable energy by 2025, halving supply chain emissions (Scope 3), and investing in large-scale carbon removal technologies.
Microsoft aims to become carbon negative by 2030 and remove all historic emissions by 2050 through renewable energy, supply chain reductions, and carbon removal technologies. image: Microsoft
By 2050, Microsoft aims to remove all carbon it has emitted since 1975. The strategy involves cutting direct and value chain emissions by more than half by 2030, supported by an expanded internal carbon fee covering both direct and supply chain emissions.
Google: AI-Powered 24/7 Carbon-Free Data Centers 2030
Google stands out with perhaps the boldest vision: to run all data centers and offices on 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030. Unlike traditional offsets, this means every search, every YouTube stream, and every AI model it powers will come from clean energy around the clock.
Google is using AI to optimize energy efficiency and has invested heavily in solar and wind projects worldwide. Its data centers are already 50% more efficient than the industry average, yet still consume massive amounts of electricity to process trillions of searches and power billions of user services.
The company now operates 20 renewable energy projects across the globe—from Oklahoma and North Carolina to Chile’s Atacama Region and municipalities in Sweden. These projects represent more than $3.5 billion in infrastructure investments, with two-thirds located in the United States.
Adding to this, Google recently announced a $20 billion renewable energy initiative in partnership with Intersect Power and TPG Rise Climate. Covering wind, solar, and battery storage, this plan is set to roll out its first phase within just two years.
Google Accelerates $20 Billion Renewable Energy Investments
Google has launched a strategic partnership to accelerate $20 billion in renewable energy investments aimed at powering its AI-driven carbon-free data centers. The company is reimagining data center development with a “power-first” approach, prioritizing clean energy at every stage of operations.
Windmills at the Norther Offshore Wind Projects in Belgium, Image: Google
It has teamed up with Intersect Power and TPG’s climate investment unit to provide renewable energy and storage solutions specifically designed for new data centers. According to Google’s Global Head of Data Center Energy, AI’s growth presents a unique opportunity to rethink how power and data centers interact.
Offshore Wind Projects & Global Expansion
In addition to onshore renewable energy, Google is expanding into offshore wind projects to meet its 2030 carbon-free energy goal:
Google’s First Offshore Wind Projects: Taiwan’s Fengmiao I
In 2025, Google announced its first offshore wind power purchase agreement (PPA) in the Asia Pacific region, marking a pivotal moment in its clean energy journey. The deal centered on the Fengmiao I Offshore Wind Project in Taiwan, developed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners.
As the first project from Taiwan’s Round 3.1 auction to achieve financial close, Fengmiao I is not only an energy milestone but also a policy catalyst. When it comes online in 2027, it will power Google’s data centers, cloud regions, and offices in Taiwan, providing the backbone for digital growth in one of Asia’s key innovation hubs.
Google’s investment builds on its earlier mix of solar and geothermal projects in Taiwan. These clean technologies already supply reliable and cost-effective energy to meet the country’s growing electricity demand. The offshore wind projects, however, elevates Google’s role in Asia to a new level—from energy consumer to transformative energy investor.
Extending the Lifespan of the Netherlands’ First Offshore Wind Farm
Also in 2025, Google took an unprecedented step in Europe with Shell by entering into a PPA that extended the lifespan of the Netherlands’ first offshore wind projects, NoordzeeWind.
Wind turbines spin Eemshaven, Netherlands, data center. Image: Google
For the first time in history, a corporate PPA didn’t just finance new capacity—it kept existing clean energy resources online. Google purchased 100% of the farm’s 108-megawatt output, which enabled Shell to secure permit extensions and fund critical upgrades. This agreement will extend the wind farm’s life by at least four years beyond its original retirement date.
The initiative underscores Google’s strategic approach: not only to build new offshore wind projects but also to safeguard existing infrastructure from premature shutdown. In a grid struggling with fossil dependency, every megawatt of carbon-free energy matters.
This project added to Google’s clean energy portfolio in the Netherlands, where the company has already supported over 1 gigawatt of renewable generation capacity.
These moves solidify Google’s role as a renewable energy giant, driving global sustainability.
When Will Google Achieve Its Carbon-Free Energy Goals?
In 2025, Google made notable sustainability strides—reducing data center energy emissions by 12%, replenishing 4.5 billion gallons of water, procuring over 8 GW of clean energy, improving TPU power efficiency by 30x, enabling 26 million tCO2e in emissions reductions, and signing the world’s first corporate agreement for small modular nuclear reactors.
These achievements are key milestones on Google’s path toward its ultimate carbon-free energy goal by 2030, a symbolic year aligned with the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Google aims to run entirely on clean energy every hour of every day, across all locations, setting a global precedent for large-scale carbon neutrality.
Google’s ambition is not merely a corporate checkbox but a test case: can a trillion-dollar tech company run entirely on clean energy, every hour of every day, across every location?
If achieved, Google would set a precedent for global industries, showing that carbon neutrality and even real-time carbon-free operations are possible at scale. The journey, however, is complex. It requires massive infrastructure, new market designs, partnerships with regulators, and a steady flow of capital investment.
Already, Google has taken major steps in this direction. The company operates more than 20 renewable energy projects across the globe, representing over $3.5 billion in infrastructure investment. Two-thirds of these projects are in the United States, creating jobs and tax revenue, while others span Chile, Sweden, and Asia.
Notably, Google has signed a groundbreaking offshore wind power purchase agreement in Taiwan with the Fengmiao I project, set to power data centers and offices by 2027. In the Netherlands, Google partnered with Shell to extend the life of the country’s first offshore wind farm, purchasing 100% of its 108 MW capacity to ensure valuable renewable assets remain online.
These renewable energy investments show that Google is not only consuming renewable energy but also protecting, creating and built carbon-free data centers — driving systemic change across industries and regions.
How Does Google’s 27 Years Journey Inspire the Future?
Google’s trajectory from a garage startup in 1998 to a renewable energy giant in 2025 tells a story of evolution — not only in technology but also in responsibility.
This journey proves that innovation and sustainability can coexist. By integrating clean energy into its business model, Google has redefined what corporate leadership looks like in the climate era.
It has shifted from being a consumer of energy to a producer, protector, and innovator in the clean energy landscape. Every wind turbine supported, every solar project financed, and every data center optimized by AI demonstrates a blueprint for the future
Conclusion: What Does Google’s 27 Years Journey Mean for the World?
The Google 27 Years Journey is not just a corporate timeline — it is a roadmap for industries navigating the climate crisis. From the Fengmiao I project in Taiwan to the NoordzeeWind farm in the Netherlands, Google’s renewable energy investments show how companies can push beyond carbon offsets and deliver real systemic change.
If Google achieves its 24/7 carbon-free energy goal by 2030, it will mark one of the most transformative sustainability milestones in corporate history. It will prove that the largest corporations in the world can align profitability, technological growth, and environmental responsibility.
And as energy transitions accelerate worldwide, Google’s story sends a clear message: the future of technology must also be the future of clean energy. The journey from a garage startup to a renewable energy leader shows that bold visions, backed by innovation and investment, can reshape industries and societies.
The time to act is now — and Google is showing the world how.
As AI and data centres surge, offshore wind Ireland becomes crucial for Ireland’s energy security and renewable energy future.
DUBLIN/NEW YORK, Sept 27 – Offshore wind Ireland is now at the heart of Ireland’s energy strategy, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said. Speaking in New York this week, Martin warned that surging AI energy demand in Ireland and the explosive growth of data centres could trigger a full-blown Ireland energy crisis unless large-scale offshore wind projects are accelerated.
“We just have to get those offshore wind farms over the line, because that is the key for our self-reliance and independence in terms of energy,” Martin said.
“And also then it would enable us to have some future in terms of AI, because AI will use an enormous amount of energy, and we’re currently in difficulty on that front.”
Martin emphasized that offshore wind is not just a climate measure—it is essential for maintaining grid stability and supporting Ireland’s growing digital economy.
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Ireland’s Data Centres: A Surge in Energy Demand
Ireland has emerged as the data centre capital of the world, hosting 89 operational centres with over 40 more in the pipeline. Many are clustered near Dublin, forming energy-intensive hubs.
These facilities alone now consume around 22% of Ireland’s electricity, up from 21% in 2023 and just 5% in 2015—a staggering 531% increase over nine years.
“AI, cloud computing, and digital services will use an enormous amount of energy. That is the gap we must close with offshore wind,” the Taoiseach said.
The rapid growth of AI-driven workloads is adding further pressure, creating a potential Ireland energy crisis if offshore wind deployment lags.
Offshore Wind Ireland: Scaling Up for 2030 and Beyond
The Taoiseach said Ireland’s next decade will depend on delivering offshore wind Ireland at scale. Current capacity is modest—just 25 MW at the Arklow Bank Wind Park—but targets are ambitious:
5 GW by 2030
20 GW by 2040
37 GW by 2050
“In Ireland, the big issue for us will be offshore wind. We have already proven the impact of renewables in terms of our onshore wind performance over the last 20 years,” Martin said.
“It represents a very substantive part of our energy now. I think the offshore wind is the next big one for us.”
Ireland’s expansive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)—seven times the size of its landmass—combined with powerful Atlantic winds, gives it a competitive edge in offshore renewable energy. Scaling these projects positions Ireland to supply both domestic demand and potentially export clean energy to Europe.
Policy and Investment Challenges
Despite these targets, development faces multiple hurdles:
Planning and environmental delays can stretch projects over a decade
Grid capacity is insufficient in some regions to handle large offshore flows
Financing requires strong government support to attract private investors
The government’s Offshore Wind Action Plan aims to streamline approvals, upgrade transmission connections, and encourage foreign investment. Industry leaders warn that without faster execution, Ireland risks falling behind European peers like Denmark, the UK, and Germany.
AI, Climate, and Health Implications
Martin’s warnings coincided with former US President Donald Trump’s UN address, in which he criticized Europe for backing green energy, claiming it would “go to hell.”
The Taoiseach countered firmly:
“We would disagree with the US administration on this. We believe in the science, and also we believe that there are economic opportunities as well,” he said.
“From a public health perspective, which rarely gets mentioned, there are huge gains. If you take fossil fuels out of the equation, ultimately we’re all living healthier lives.”
He stressed that Ireland’s renewable energy future is a pathway to both sustainability and economic growth, creating opportunities in energy-intensive industries and technology.
Ireland at the Crossroads: Technology Meets Sustainability
The intersection of AI growth, data centre expansion, and climate commitments places Ireland at a pivotal moment. Scaling offshore wind Ireland is the most viable solution to:
Meet AI energy demand in Ireland
Prevent an Ireland energy crisis
Achieve a net-zero and sustainable Ireland renewable energy future
Attract and maintain international investment in high-tech and industrial sectors
Failure to act could leave the country dependent on imports, vulnerable to price shocks, and unable to support the digital economy.
Conclusion: Offshore Wind Ireland Is the Nation’s Last Defense
The Taoiseach’s message is unequivocal: offshore wind Ireland is Ireland’s last line of defense against an energy crisis fueled by AI and data center growth. Delivering on these ambitious targets will secure Ireland’s renewable energy future, stabilize the grid, and allow Ireland to lead Europe in clean power generation.
“Offshore wind is not optional—it is essential to Ireland’s energy security and future prosperity,” Martin said.
France Awards Centre Manche 2 Offshore Wind Project to TotalEnergies in Historic €4.5B Deal
Paris, September 24, 2025 – In a historic milestone for France’s renewable energy sector, TotalEnergies Centre Manche 2 Offshore Wind has secured the €4.5 billion Centre Manche 2 offshore wind tender, establishing the largest renewable energy project ever undertaken in the country. Developed in partnership with RWE, the project will see the construction and operation of a 1.5-gigawatt offshore wind farm off the coast of Normandy, set to transform France’s energy landscape by providing green electricity to over 1 million households.
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France’s Largest Offshore Wind Farm
The Centre Manche 2 offshore wind farm, located more than 40 kilometers from the Normandy coastline, is expected to generate approximately 6 terawatt-hours of electricity per year. This volume of clean energy will supply more than 1.1 million homes while maintaining a competitive electricity price of €66 per megawatt-hour, ensuring affordability alongside France’s ambitious decarbonization goals.
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, said:
“Winning the Centre Manche 2 tender demonstrates TotalEnergies’ commitment to the energy transition in France. This project is not only a major industrial achievement but also a milestone in providing clean, affordable electricity to French households.”
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The €4.5 billion investment is poised to deliver a significant economic boost to Normandy and beyond. During the three-year construction phase, the project will generate up to 2,500 jobs and provide 500,000 hours of work for apprentices and individuals in professional reintegration programs.
TotalEnergies will implement a European preference policy, sourcing turbines, cables, and other major components from European manufacturers, thereby supporting regional industry and strengthening the European offshore wind supply chain. Residents and local authorities in Normandy will also have the opportunity to co-invest through a crowdfunding initiative, promoting local engagement and ownership in the renewable energy transition.
Project Timeline and RWE Partnership
The project expects a final investment decision in 2029, with electricity production slated for 2033, aligned with France’s RTE grid connection schedule.
RWE has announced its intention to exit the consortium, pending approval from French authorities. TotalEnergies will continue development, honoring all existing commitments, and plans to bring in a new partner to replace RWE.
Regional and European Benefits
The project strengthens Normandy’s regional economy and France’s position in the European offshore wind market. It will create advanced training opportunities, foster growth among European suppliers for turbines and transmission cables, and support local initiatives through a €10 million territorial fund dedicated to education, culture, and workforce development.
TotalEnergies’ Renewable Leadership in France
TotalEnergies has a long-standing presence in France, investing more than €8 billion since 2020, with nearly half directed toward renewable energy projects. The company operates 660 renewable assets across wind, solar, hydro, and battery storage, supplying electricity to 1.8 million people and serving 4.2 million residential and business customers. With over 2 GW of installed renewable capacity, TotalEnergies ranks among the top three renewable electricity providers in France.
A Brief History and Future of Wind Energy in France
France has steadily grown its wind energy sector over the past two decades, becoming a key player in Europe’s renewable energy transition. As of 2025, the country has reached a total of 18,676 megawatts (MW) of installed wind power capacity, making it the world’s seventh-largest wind power nation by installed capacity. Onshore and offshore wind farms across Normandy, Brittany, and other regions have contributed to this impressive growth, laying the foundation for France’s ambitious future targets.
Looking ahead, France aims to achieve 18 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2035 and 45 GW by 2050, reflecting its commitment to carbon neutrality and the broader EU climate goals. To support this, the French government has proposed a major €11 billion state aid scheme, designed to accelerate the development of offshore wind projects, foster industrial growth, and stimulate job creation in the sector.
The Centre Manche 2 project represents a cornerstone in achieving these targets. With a capacity of 1.5 GW, it will supply green electricity to over 1 million households, significantly contributing to the 2035 target of 18 GW. Beyond its direct output, the project sets a benchmark for industrial best practices, environmental sustainability, and local economic engagement. By leveraging European suppliers, promoting apprenticeship programs, and investing in regional infrastructure, Centre Manche 2 strengthens the ecosystem needed to achieve France’s long-term offshore wind ambitions. Its success will act as a catalyst for the country’s renewable energy expansion, helping France move closer to its 45 GW goal by 2050.
Centre Manche 2 Offshore Wind Project – Key Information
Feature
Details
Project Name
Centre Manche 2 Offshore Wind
Operator
TotalEnergies (RWE partnership initially)
Investment
€4.5 billion
Location
40 km off the coast of Normandy, France
Capacity
1.5 GW
Electricity Generation
6 TWh per year
Households Powered
~1 million
Electricity Price
€66/MWh
Jobs Created
Up to 2,500 during construction
Training/Apprenticeships
500,000 hours
Environmental Fund
€45 million for mitigation, €15 million for biodiversity
Recycling Commitment
≥95% turbine components, 100% generator magnets
Investment Decision
Expected 2029
Electricity Production Start
2033
Local Investment
Crowdfunding options for Normandy residents; €10M territorial fund
European Industry Engagement
Priority sourcing from European suppliers (turbines, cables)
Conclusion: A Milestone for France and Europe
TotalEnergies Centre Manche 2 Offshore Wind represents not only France’s largest renewable energy project but also a model for sustainable industrial growth. With over 1 million homes powered, thousands of jobs created, and groundbreaking environmental commitments, this project sets a benchmark for the European green energy transition.
Europe aims to increase its offshore wind capacity to 84 GW by 2030, but one of the most important challenges is the lack of investment in shipbuilding and port infrastructure
Brussels, August 2025— Europe is facing a shortfall in offshore wind investment, according to a new report by IndEurope News. With just five years to go to meet its 2030 energy targets, Europe offshore wind investment needs an additional €2.4 billion in funding to ensure its offshore wind infrastructure can grow in time. Without this investment, Europe will fall behind in its clean energy transition.
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Europe needs urgent action to meet offshore wind targets
Europe currently has 36.6 gigawatts (GW) of installed offshore wind capacity. To meet climate targets and energy security commitments, this figure needs to rise to 84 GW by 2030. Achieving this target depends on the continent installing at least 10 GW of offshore wind capacity annually, which is expected to increase to 15 GW per year after 2030.
While the installation rate is currently on track, supporting infrastructure, including ports and ships, is not developing fast enough. It is understood that significant capacity shortfalls could hinder the deployment of offshore wind projects in the future.
Marine infrastructure plays a central role
The offshore wind supply chain is heavily dependent on Europe’s maritime infrastructure. In the last three years, €6.7 billion has been invested in port upgrades and ship procurement. Analysts warn an additional €6.4 billion is needed, and €2.4 billion in the short term to meet the 2030 target.
This infrastructure is needed for building, installing, and maintaining wind turbines, so without immediate investment in this area, the supply chain may not be able to handle the volume of installations needed to stay on track.
EU ports strategy aims to fill infrastructure gaps
The European Commission is developing a new EU-wide ports strategy aimed at supporting the offshore wind sector. Ports are crucial for the industry. They act as logistical hubs for transporting turbines and components, act as maintenance bases and provide the space needed to assemble large structures—especially for floating offshore wind.
Strategic importance of ports for offshore wind
Over the past three years, €4.4 billion has been invested in port infrastructure across Europe, yet the report finds that an additional €2.4 billion is urgently needed to upgrade facilities and expand port capacity, as ports play a key role in supporting local wind energy supply chains and delivering efficient projects across the continent.
Policy measures proposed in the EU Ports Strategy
The Ports Strategy is expected to recommend three key actions. Firstly, the European Investment Bank could be involved in increasing funding allocations through programs such as the EU Connecting Europe Facility and supporting strategic projects. Secondly, the Commission is likely to simplify permitting procedures, as it can currently take up to 10 years to approve port expansions. Finally, the strategy could include an EU-wide map of port capacity and plans to match them with the demand for offshore wind deployment in member states.
Shipbuilding and ship investment are barriers.
In the case of offshore wind, there was talk of ports but in addition to ports, Europe needs to make significant investments in its offshore wind fleet. Why ports? Because currently, around 80 ships are used across Europe to install turbines and transport workers. The emergence of larger turbines over 15 MW requires a new generation of ships with more advanced capabilities.
Technological innovation of ships is needed
In the last three years, Europe has already invested around €2.3 billion in offshore wind ships. Despite this progress, an additional €4 billion is needed to install larger and more technologically advanced turbines, many of which are not capable of handling the weight and complexity of the new models.
Reducing emissions from marine activities
Marine activities currently contribute up to 20% of the total life cycle emissions of an offshore wind project. Decarbonizing this sector is crucial. The EU Maritime Industrial Strategy is expected to promote clean fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, and electricity while supporting the refitting of older ships or the construction of new zero-emission ships.
How Europe’s Offshore Wind Future Hinges on Strategic Europe Offshore Wind Investment
Europe’s offshore wind future largely depends on timely investment. Its ability to meet its offshore wind targets depends on swift and coordinated action. A well-funded port strategy and a forward-looking maritime industry strategy can ensure that infrastructure, permitting, and innovation are developed in line with demand.
Without investment, the European Union could fail to achieve its 2030 offshore wind goals. It clearly said that it risks losing its global leadership in renewable energy. Though the window for action narrows, decisions taken in the coming months will fix the future of Europe’s clean energy landscape.
Key points:
More than €4.4 billion has been invested in ports.
Ports supply, store, assemble, and maintain wind equipment.
Floating offshore wind infrastructure to be integrated into port areas
Europe to generate 10 GW of electricity per year by 2030 and 15 GW later
A €2.4 billion shortfall needs to be urgently filled.
Ports and ships are out of the question for offshore wind to succeed.
The strategic move will determine Europe’s energy security and competitiveness for decades to come.
In the Bottom
If the EU is serious about leading the way in offshore wind, it needs to match ambition with investment. The proposed EU Port Strategy and Maritime Industry Strategy offer a golden opportunity to close the Europe offshore wind investment of €2.4 billion and strengthen Europe’s journey towards a cleaner, more resilient energy system.
Teesside, 15 July 2025 — RWE has reached a significant construction milestone at its flagship Sophia offshore wind farm with the 100th steel monopile foundation for a project located on Dogger Bank, 195 kilometers off the UK’s north-east coast – now the latest to be successfully installed, marking the end of a complex 14-month offshore foundation campaign.
When operational, the 1.4 gigawatt (GW) project will have enough clean electricity generation capacity to power 1.2 million typical UK homes annually, further supporting the UK’s renewable energy targets and energy security.
Dutch marine contractor Van Oord led the foundation installation operation under a comprehensive EPCI (engineering, procurement, construction and installation) contract. The company used its upgraded jack-up vessel Aeolus, which was equipped with a custom 1,650-tonne capacity crane, to handle Sofia’s heaviest monopiles – each monopile forming the basis for a 252-metre-long Siemens Gamesa 14 MW turbine.
Sven Uttermoehl, CEO of RWE Offshore Wind, praised the achievement, cited: “The successful completion of the monopile installation in Sofia is an important milestone in the implementation of this complex offshore wind construction project. This achievement is a testament to the expertise, dedication and collaboration of our partners across the RWE Group. Sofia will play a key role in contributing to the UK’s clean energy transition and strengthening energy security.”
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RWE advances Sofia offshore wind farm with industry-leading innovation and sustainable solutions
With the successful installation of all monopile foundations, a milestone in this regard, Van Oord has begun the next major phase at the Sofia offshore wind farm – the installation of approximately 360 km of array cables, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Meanwhile, as we already know from the progress of turbine installation, 27 of the 100 Siemens Gamesa 14 MW turbines have already been installed – half of which with recyclable blades, reinforcing Sofia’s role as a global model for sustainable offshore wind.
Sofia, the first offshore wind project worldwide to commit to using Siemens Gamesa 14 MW turbines during its initial development, will demonstrate its leadership in technology adoption. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the technical and engineering innovations that will transform Sofia into a next-generation clean energy project.
Cutting-edge design and environmental innovation
Steel monopile foundations installed at Dogger Bank for Sofia Offshore Wind Farm, 195 km off the UK coast
A number of modern design innovations have been used and adapted. Here In contrast to traditional offshore foundations, separate transition pieces are used, with the design for Sophia using extended single-piece monopiles. Manufactured by EEW, this approach reduces total steel usage, reducing the project’s carbon footprint and material requirements.
In another UK first, the project has installed a full-scale bubble curtain noise abatement system for 34 foundation installations. Operated by Hydrotechnic Offshore, the technology protects marine species in the environmentally sensitive Southern North Sea Special Area of Conservation (SAC), helping to reduce underwater noise.
Port of Tyne 1.4 GW offshore Wind Farm
Foundation components stored at Port of Tyne for RWE’s Sofia project, highlighting offshore wind supply chain infrastructure.
All offshore foundation elements were marshalled and stored at the Port of Tyne, where significant infrastructure investment is being made to meet the logistical needs of Sophia. This has enhanced the port’s role in future offshore wind developments across the North East of England.
Leading sustainable turbine technology
Recyclable turbine blade with specialist resin system developed by Siemens Gamesa, ordered for Sofia Offshore Wind Farm.
Next up in turbine technology, the reusable blades used on Sophia are made with a specialist resin system that enables full recyclability and mark the largest order of this type of blade at the time of purchase. The Turba initiative not only supports the circular economy but also paves the way for environmentally-conscious offshore wind development worldwide.
Increased grid capacity
To maximize energy export efficiency, Sophia has increased its grid connection capacity from 1,000 MW to 1,320 MW, using advanced high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology with voltage source converters. This allows for increased transmission capacity, helping to deliver cleaner energy to homes in the UK. And planning the world’s longest offshore export cable, spanning 220 kilometers, required highly specialized engineering to overcome the challenges of laying the infrastructure through complex seabed conditions.
World-class vessel and equipment installation
Sophia is set to be the first offshore wind farm to use the world’s most advanced cable-laying vessel, Prysmian’s Leonardo da Vinci. Equipped with:
The highest cable carousel capacity on the market
Double the industry-average capstan capacity
A DP3 dynamic positioning system
Hybrid propulsion and 90-day operational autonomy
The vessel will enable installation in water depths of up to 3,000 meters, making it ideal for the project’s demanding offshore environment.
Innovations in cable construction and sustainability
Installation of recyclable HPTE-insulated HVDC cables for Sofia’s onshore grid connection, reducing carbon emissions by 40%.
The onshore HVDC cable will incorporate a patented High-Performance Thermoplastic Elastomer (HPTE) insulation system—a fully recyclable, zero-emission process that reduces carbon emissions by 40% compared to conventional methods.
Onshore civil engineering contractor JMS has used innovative construction techniques to optimize efficiency and safety:
V-buckets, which reduce trenching time and heavy equipment passes
A duct trailer system that eliminates the need for workers in trenches when installing ducts
A sand truck that reduces trenching time when installing cement-bound sand
Cutting-edge wind farm layout and infrastructure efficiency
Recyclable turbine blade with specialist resin system developed by Siemens Gamesa, ordered for Sofia Offshore Wind Farm.
The Sophia team has developed a highly optimized array layout to maximize energy production. The design of the offshore converter platform has also been significantly streamlined, using fewer materials and reducing overall project costs compared to previous designs used in Germany.
Strategic collaboration with the adjacent Dogger Bank Sea Wind Farm project is enabling Sophia to achieve cost-sharing and technological synergies, increasing efficiency in both developments.
Collaborative Procurement and Risk Management
Using a holistic, experience-led procurement strategy, RWE worked closely with potential supply chain partners at the pre-tender stage to align contract models. This approach allowed for effective risk allocation, ensuring the lowest possible overall project cost while maintaining high innovation standards. It also contributed to the record-breaking Levelized Cost of Energy (LCoE) for Sofia.
Regulatory Innovation and Environmental Protection
RWE has pioneered several advances in environmental management and compliance:
Integrated LiDAR and sky digital survey for seabird monitoring – a novel application of proven technology for ornithological research.
Proposed the use of low-order deflagration to neutralize unexploded ordnance (UXO), which significantly reduces underwater noise and marine impact compared to traditional detonations.
RWE is active in high-level environmental research initiatives such as ORJIP II and OWSMRF, which aim to close knowledge gaps and reduce compliance risks for future offshore projects.
Investing in UK offshore innovation through ORE Catapult
“Leonardo da Vinci cable-laying vessel at work on Sofia Offshore Wind Farm, equipped with high-capacity carousel and hybrid propulsion.
As part of its commitment to UK offshore wind innovation, SOFIA has supported the 2023 ORE Catapult Launch Academy, a nine-month programme designed to accelerate early-stage technology development. Ten UK-based companies have been selected, including:
Aquatech Group, known for its innovative cable monitoring and protection
Wildcat Films to Integrate Radar into Bird Survey
This collaboration will highlight Sophia’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of offshore wind technology and environmental solutions.
With its advanced design, sustainability-first approach and pioneering technology, the Sophia Offshore Wind Farm sets new industry standards and exemplifies how large-scale offshore wind can deliver clean, affordable and reliable energy. Once operational, this 1.4 GW wind farm is set to power 1.2 million UK homes, reinforcing RWE’s leadership in the global transition to renewable energy.
Sophia Offshore Wind Farm at a Glance
Total capacity: 1.4 GW
Offshore wind project location: 195 km off the north-east coast of the UK (Dogger Bank)
Total depth: 20-35 meters
Number of turbines: 100 x Siemens Gamesa 14 MW
Energy generated: around 1.2 million
Construction Stats: 2021
Expected to complete : 2025
Developer: RWE Offshore Wind
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm?
Sofia Offshore Wind Farm is a 1.4 gigawatt (GW) offshore wind project constructed by the RWE. Situated 195 kilometers from the UK’s northeast coast on Dogger Bank, it is one of the world’s biggest and most state-of-the-art offshore wind farm, and will power 1.2 million homes every year with renewable and clean energy.
The Sofia Offshore Wind Farm – who is building it?
Offshore wind power giant, RWE is leading the development and construction of the project. Among key suppliers are Van Oord, which will provide the foundation and the cable installation, and Siemens Gamesa which will deliver 14 MW wind turbines, complete with a recyclable blade design.
Sofia Offshore Wind Farm, where is it?
Sofia is situated 195 kilometres from shore at Dogger Bank in the North Sea around 195km off the coast of Teesside in the UK’s North Sea. It is located in water depths of 20-35 metres, on a sock the equivalent size to the Isle of Man – so one of the remotest and most challenging UK offshore wind farm developments to reach completion.
How many houses will be lit by the Sofia Wind Farm?
When fully operational, the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm will be capable of supplying power to around 1.2 million average UK homes, playing a major part in the UK’s ongoing transition to a clean, green energy system and providing the up to 1000 jobs the project is currently creating.
What sort of turbines are being used in the Sofia project?
The project features a total of 100 Siemens Gamesa 14 MW turbines, 50 of which have recyclable blades, marking a world first at this scale. The wind turbines are some of the largest on the market and are an impressive step in wind turbine technology.
What are the recyclable wind turbine blades — and why are they significant?
Recyclable wind turbine blades require a special-class resin system that can be broken down into individual materials at end of life. This will help advance a more sustainable offshore wind industry, reduce landfill waste and drive greater circular economy in the UK’s renewable energy efforts.
Which cable technologies are applied in the Sofia Wind Farm?
Sofia has both array and export cables. It will use 360 km of array cables and the longest ever offshore wind export cable in the world (220 km) using HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) technology with voltage source converters. This enables more efficient power transmission and capacity is also up by 320 MW from 1000 MW.
What is HVDC technology and how can it benefit offshore wind farms?
The high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission makes it possible to carry electricity for long distances at lower losses than the AC transmission. Sofia can deliver 1.32GW of wind power effectively to the UK grid and help meet renewable targets by using HVDC with VSC technology.
Sofia’s offshore wind cable installation: What’s so special?
Sofia is the first assignment of Leo, the world’s most advanced cable-laying vessel, which has started working on the project. It features:
Largest carousel capacity available
Hybrid propulsion for reduced emissions
Deep sea cables laying ability (up to 3,000 meters)
These new designs ensure that cable is laid more safely, efficiently and environmentally friendly.
What is Sofia doing to make construction less harmful to the environment?
Sofia has used bubble curtain noise mitigation systems during monopile installation in support of marine mammal conservation in the Southern North Sea Special Area of Conservation. It also employs low-order deflagration for UXO clearance, reducing impact on underwater noise.
Which ports and infrastructure does the Sofia Wind Farm use?
Foundation components and material are marshalled and distributed from the Port of Tyne. “The port has invested heavily into accommodating this major offshore wind development, which has significantly boosted the renewable energy supply chain in North East England.
What is RWE’s position in offshore wind on a global basis?
RWE is a global offshore wind development leader. The Sofia Offshore Wind Farm is currently the largest of RWE’s offshore wind farms under construction worldwide and one of the largest infrastructure projects in the UK, reinforcing the company’s ambition to play a part in the UK’s clean energy future and support its path to net zero.
What does the Sofia Wind Farm do to drive down costs of offshore wind energy?
Coupled with novel procurement strategies, innovative asset financing mechanisms, simplified converter station design, and a strategic collaboration with adjacent Dogger Bank C, Sofia has delivered market-leading levelized cost of energy (LCoE) offers, helping to reduce the costs of offshore wind.
What is the ORE Catapult Launch Academy and what role does Sofia have?
Sofia has backed the 2023 ORE Catapult Launch Academy, which aims to fast-track UK offshore wind innovation. The project chose firms from the UK in Aquatec Group and Wildcat Films to help drive forward cable protection systems and ornithological monitoring technologies.
This huge increase in renewable power generation is one element of China’s overall plan to improve energy security, slash dependence on imported fossil fuels, and make climate targets well before the UN Climate Change Conference in Belém, Brazil.
China’s pipeline of utility-scale wind power has grown to 593 GW and nearly 223 GW is currently under construction—more than 45% of total global wind energy development. The total installed wind power capacity in the country is now more than 700 GW, and the new capacity added reached 357 GW in 2024, which became a new record in the world.
China has firmly cemented its lead in both onshore and offshore wind, contributing to energy security, industrial and global decarbonization targets, the GEM said.
According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, clean energy also accounted for 25% of China’s GDP growth in 2024. The analysis also highlights the increasing role of offshore wind (28 GW), particularly in industrial coastal provinces with plans to decarbonize.
“China is now dominating the world in the build-out of renewable energy,” GEM said, adding that the country may soon claim the title as the world’s first true “electrostate.”
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ChinaOffshore Wind Development Industrial Coast
China is quickly expanding its offshore wind capabilities, with its coastal provinces — from Guangdong to Jiangsu and Shandong — rushing to build offshore wind farms. The capacity of offshore wind has jumped from less than 5 GW in 2018 to 42.7 GW in 2025, and another 28 GW are under construction. There are 67GW in the pipeline offshore of projects – including state-of-the-art floating wind projects and grid connections to help support new green hydrogen plants that are being developed.
“Offshore wind is now especially important in the decarbonization of China’s industrial heartlands,” said GEM researcher Mengqi Zhang.
Transition from Fossil Fuels, Enhancing Energy Security
China’s strategy is based on: Wind power is central to China’s efforts to:
Reduce coal and oil imports
Enhance energy independence
Cut industrial emissions
Get the power grid into the twenty-first century and on solid ground.
The National Energy Administration notes that in Q1 2025, wind turbine electricity consumption accounted for nearly 12% of electricity consumption, which was more than thermal power scale. Wind power is central to China’s goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2060.
Mega Wind Projects Are the Global Scale In another
China Wind Energy 2025 – Notable wind projects:
Ultra-high-capacity wind farms in Ningxia (16 GW and up)
Shandong Offshore Mega cluster (10+ GW floating platforms)
Ultra-high voltage wind-to-grid corridors between Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang and coastal provinces
Those rely on advanced, often greater than 16 MW, turbines built by names such as Goldwind, Mingyang and Envision.
Wind Energy Projects Under Construction in China
Metric
Value
Wind-Solar Energy Pipeline (Announced + Under Development)
593 GW
Wind Projects Under Construction
223 GW
Share of Global Wind Construction
~45%
Operational Wind Capacity
700+ GW
Offshore Wind Operational
42.7 GW
Offshore Wind Under Construction
28 GW
Offshore Wind Pipeline
67 GW
Global Leadership and Implications
China’s wind energy policy goes beyond the transformation at home—it is changing global markets and establishing models for the clean energy future. The country now:
Home to the world’s largest wind fleet, with more installed and under-construction capacity than any other country.
Produces more than 70 percent of the world’s wind turbine parts, including blades, nacelles, towers and power converters. Goldwind, Mingyang, and Envision, are only some of the world’s top companies which have exported significantly to Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe.
Forwards in wind-to-hydrogen integration, with multiple “pilot” projects using excess wind energy to produce green hydrogen, for transport, industry and power storage.
Leaders of Floating Offshore Wind in the Asia-Pacific region, with the use of deep sea resources and advanced offshore engineering, to install turbines in areas which previously experienced limitations.
Together with government supported innovation and targeted export promotion, these unparalleled scales have reduced global costs of wind power technology. These types of partnerships are particularly beneficial for emerging countries because they have access to cheap turbine imports, financing of projects, and technical support. This is why China’s wind power success, which has not occurred in a vacuum, is not just a success for the nation, it is also one of the drivers of the world-wide move to clean energy.
Looking Ahead to COP30
With the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil on the horizon, all eyes are on China’s upcoming climate commitments. The Chinese government has indicated it will release stronger national targets in line with the nation’s long term carbon neutrality commitment. These could include, according to policy insiders and analysts:
Increasing the countrywide wind share in China’s energy mix to hasten fossil fuel replacement.
Creating separate industrial hubs for offshore wind – especially in coastal-prone Jiangsu, Shandong and Guangdong – to smooth permitting, supply chain and grid connection.
Implementing national green hydrogen targets, with some of the production requirement coming from wind-powered electrolysis, in industrial clusters.
Introduction of a single program for offshore wind leasing, to drive transparency and scalability for use of the seabed and infrastructure planning, based on the leading systems in the U.S. and Europe.
These policies will ensure that China continues to be not only the world’s largest wind power installer as china wind power capacity growth makes china Global wind energy leader, but also China playing a leading role in COP30, its announcements are expected to determine the direction of international climate negotiations and global flows of renewable energy investment.
Offshore Wind: Opportunities and Challenges
Whilst we have seen phenomenal growth in offshore wind capacity, China is also experiencing technical, regulatory and environmental issues that need to be addressed if growth is to be sustainable and scaled. Key hurdles include:
Delays in grid connection, preventing efficient transmission of power from offshore farms to onshore networks.
Licensing difficulties – local, provincial, and national administrative authorities overlap each other, which creates administrative barriers.
Resilience to Typhoons, especially along coastlines surrounding the South China Sea and East China Sea, which require expensive, high-end turbine technology.
The cost of the deep-sea floating wind, as well as the logistics, are high, involving expensive anchoring, heavy-lift vessels and dedicated ports.
But ambition among the provinces living in Jiangsu, Guangdong and Fujian, in addition to government policy tools such as green finance, feed-in tariffs and central planning, ensures the sector continues to grow. Innovative offshore leasing mechanisms that draw their inspiration from global best practices are creating a conducive investment climate.
Committing to deep R&D on deep-sea foundations, subsea cables and typhoon-proof turbines places China on a path to overcoming barriers and further asserting its offshore wind leadership in Asia and beyond.
Wind Power as an Economic Engine
The effects of wind energy reaches far beyond environmental benefits into a strong economic powerhouse. Per the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA):
Wind and its upstream supply chain represented 25 percent of GDP growth in China in 2024.
And the sector has spawned more than 3 million jobs across dozens of industries.
The development of wind energy promotes grid modernization, smart converters, and logistics infrastructure.
China’s exports of wind technology — turbines, blades and electronics — are taking off, serving developing markets in Latin America, Africa and Southeast Asia.
From Energy User to “Electrostate”
Wind power now supplies a growing slice of China’s:
High-speed rail networks
Industrial robotics and manufacturing machinery
Urban heat and cold grids
Data centers and AI infrastructure
This shift is helping to create China as the world’s first emerging “electrostate” — an economy predominantly fueled by renewable electricity, notably wind power, that will fund a sustainable and resilient future.
Last Word
China’s plans for a major build-out of wind and solar plays a central role in the global renewable energy revolution this year. Nothing like China’s Wind Energy Surge in 2025 renewable energy expansion. With 510 GW of solar and wind in construction— 74% of the world’s total—and more than 1.5 TW already in operation, China is redrawing the rules of the global energy game.
From emerging as a clean energy economic powerhouse to aspiring to have the largest offshore wind fleet anywhere, China is, at the same time, a climate leader as well as a principal force behind international decarbonization.
As the world gears up for the UN Climate Conference, all eyes are much more on China – not just for its commitments, but for its unparalleled execution at scale..
📌 FAQs: China wind energy 2025 Booming
What is China’s wind power installed capacity in 2025?
Total wind power installed in China reached above 700 GW as of 2025, and it had 223 GW under construction at that year wind energy market in the world.
What portion of the world’s wind power is being designed in China?
China is also constructing nearly 45 percent of all wind projects globally, the Global Energy Monitor says. This consists of 223 GW of wind installed from the 2025 under construction.
China is investing heavily into wind power?
China’s wind push is spurred by its ambitions to cut imports of fossil fuels, strengthen energy security, meet its climate targets and position itself as the world’s supreme “electrostate” — an economy driven chiefly by electricity.
What is the role of offshore wind in China’s Energy Plan?
Offshore wind is vital for decarbonizing industrialized coastal regions such as Jiangsu and Guangdong. China has 42.7 GW in operation and 28 GW under construction offshore wind capacity in 2025.
Who are the major wind turbine manufacturers in China?
The top wind turbine companies in China are Goldwind, Mingyang, and Envision and their products, which are made up of more than 70 percent of the wind turbine parts and exported to the global markets.
What are the wind energy target for COP30?
In the lead-up to COP30, China will set out plans to increase national wind targets, offshore wind leasing programs, as well as green hydrogen mandates that are being driven by wind.
How does wind power contribute to China’s economy?
China’s GDP growth in 2024 gives 25pc credits to wind energy and 3 million jobs are related to the job sector in China, CREACentre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).
Is China leading the global transition to renewable energy?
Yes. China’s 510 GW of solar and wind projects under construction and more than 1.5 TW in operation is driving the world’s energy transition.
