Mona and Morgan wind farms expected to boost economic growth and provide energy security
Secretary of State Hilary Benn has visited Belfast Harbour to view the site where two major offshore wind farms will be assembled as part of a £100 million landmark deal. It follows Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's announcement at COP 30 that over 300 jobs could be created, after joint venture partners JERA Nex bp and EnBW agreed to lease Belfast Harbour's offshore wind terminal to act as the hub for the assembly and construction of the planned Mona and Morgan wind farms.
The new facilities represent two of the biggest offshore wind farms planned in the Irish Sea. Once operational, they could deliver enough clean energy to power the equivalent of around 3 million UK homes every year.
After meeting with representatives from EnBW and JERA Nex bp, who are developing the planned Mona & Morgan Offshore wind farms, the Secretary of State undertook a boat tour to view the work at Belfast Harbour to make the site ready for use from 2028. The deal is expected to drive regional economic growth, support the local supply chain and help attract external investment into the region. It has enabled Belfast Harbour to invest £90 million in a new deepwater berth to support cruise tourism and further offshore wind projects in the future.
Following his visit to Belfast Harbour, the Secretary of State said:
"This commitment of over £100 million to Belfast Harbour is fantastic news for Northern Ireland and the wider UK, generating jobs and economic growth while supporting the development of affordable clean energy.
"Having met with the joint venture partners and seen the scale of the development work at Belfast Harbour, it's clear that this deal will secure Northern Ireland's key role in the UK's clean energy future.
"The UK Government's industrial strategy is boosting the industries of the future and helping to ensure greater energy security with UK-generated power."
Michael Class, Senior Vice President Generation Portfolio Development said:
"EnBW is excited to announce this milestone commitment and the next stage of our planned investment in the UK's clean energy and industrial infrastructure.
"With 15 years of experience in the offshore wind sector, we are proud to collaborate with partners to bring investment, jobs, and growth to a market at the forefront of clean energy deployment.
"We are optimistic about fostering a long-lasting partnership between Germany, the UK, and Northern Ireland."
Nathalie Oosterlinck, CEO JERA Nex bp said:
"The Mona and Morgan joint venture's planned commitment to Belfast Harbour is an important contribution to the infrastructure which has the potential 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.
"Strategic investments in renewable energy could make a lasting impact on both the environment and the economy."
Chair of Belfast Harbour Commissioners Dr Theresa Donaldson said:
"We were delighted to welcome the Secretary of State to Belfast Harbour. 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. Together we are 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."
At COP 30 earlier this month, the Prime Minister met with global leaders and businesses to reinforce the UK's commitment to providing leadership on the world stage for global climate action. The UK Government is supporting the drive for homegrown, clean power.
