Crown Estate Launches Accelerated Tender for 1.5-GW Morgan Wind Site

The Crown Estate has launched a competitive tender to secure a new developer for the up to 1.5-GW Morgan offshore wind site in the Irish Sea. The move follows the previous developer's decision to discontinue development earlier this year, prompting the UK seabed manager to return the advanced site to market quickly. The streamlined process could see rights awarded by the end of 2026, keeping one of the country's most advanced offshore wind opportunities on track to eventually power up to 1.5 million homes.

 

Background to the Tender

 

The tender responds to a change in the project's development status. The previous developer decided to discontinue development of the site earlier this year. In response, The Crown Estate moved quickly to return the site to market. This rapid action aims to maintain momentum on the project. It reflects a determination to avoid losing the progress already achieved.

The Crown Estate has framed the site as an unusually advanced opportunity. Morgan is described as one of the most advanced offshore wind opportunities available to developers. Returning it to market preserves its position within the UK's renewable pipeline. The seabed manager's swift response prevents the project from stalling. This continuity is central to the tender's rationale.

 

The Morgan Project

 

Morgan represents a substantial addition to UK offshore wind capacity. The project has a potential capacity of up to 1.5 GW in the Irish Sea. Once operational, it could generate enough electricity to power up to 1.5 million homes. This scale places it among significant contributors to renewable generation. Its output would support both energy security and economic growth.

The project has already reached several important development milestones. These achievements distinguish it from earlier-stage offshore wind sites. Reaching such milestones typically requires considerable time and investment. Preserving this progress is a priority for the seabed manager. It allows a future developer to build on established foundations.

 

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Consenting and Grid Progress

 

The project has advanced significantly through the consenting process. It secured a Development Consent Order for its windfarm asset in August 2025. It is awaiting a decision on the Development Consent Order for its transmission assets. That application is a joint one with the transmission assets of the Morecambe offshore windfarm. A decision is now expected in September.

The project also benefits from secured grid access. It holds a grid connection agreement with the National Energy System Operator. Grid connection is often a major hurdle for offshore wind projects. Securing this agreement removes a significant source of uncertainty. Together with the consenting progress, it makes the site notably attractive to developers.

 

The Auction Mechanism

 

The tender uses a specific competitive structure to award rights. Developers will take part in a transparent rising clock auction. Bids in this auction will form a Site Exclusivity Fee. This fee will only become payable when the project enters lease. While bid as a lump sum, it will be paid phased over 20 years from lease commencement.

This structure is designed to reduce financial pressure on developers. The phased payment approach helps de-risk the development phase of the project. Developers typically absorb major costs and commitments during this period. Spreading the fee over two decades eases that burden. The Crown Estate describes the process as streamlined and proportionate.

 

Timeline and Strategic Significance

 

The tender follows a compressed schedule through 2026. Bidders are expected to return their submissions over the summer. An auction and selection of a preferred bidder are expected towards the end of the year. This could see rights awarded by the end of 2026. Such a timeline reflects the accelerated nature of the process.

The Crown Estate has emphasised the project's strategic importance. Its managing director for marine described Morgan as strategically important with significant milestones achieved. The priority has been to move quickly and maintain existing momentum. The accelerated tender offers developers a project with substantial consenting and grid progress in place. This supports energy security, investment, jobs and growth across the UK's offshore wind supply chain.