Global offshore wind developer Ørsted has joined a powerful consortium of industry-leading energy businesses by signing up to the Humber Energy Board (HEB). Ørsted currently operates 12 offshore wind farms around the UK and, to date, has invested more than £18bn in the nation’s clean energy economy. Many of those wind farms are operated from the Humber, with Ørsted’s East Coast Hub located in Grimsby. Ørsted’s North Sea developments include Hornsea One, Two and Three, the latter of which is currently in construction.
Humber Energy Board now represents 17 organisations, with Ørsted’s membership further strengthening HEB’s voice as it works to secure investment, policy support and long-term economic growth for the region. Ørsted’s decision to join HEB reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to the Humber, where it has built one of the UK’s most significant offshore wind operations and continues to invest in people, infrastructure and communities.
HEB Managing Director Dr Iain Harris said: “Ørsted has made a huge contribution to the Humber’s economy for many years now, and we’re delighted to welcome them as the newest member of the Humber Energy Board. “The diversity and strength of our membership stand as a powerful reminder of the scale of impact of the energy sector in the Humber and the enormous further opportunity for the region. We call on the Government, through clarity of policy and funding, to unlock the Humber’s full potential as a world-leading energy cluster and an economic powerhouse.
“We stand at a pivotal moment in our region’s proud history. Now is the time to re-energise the Humber, regenerate industry and create the economic conditions that enable businesses and communities to thrive.”
Of the £18bn invested by Ørsted in the UK in offshore wind, almost £10bn of that has been made in the Humber. When Hornsea 3 starts operating in 2027, Ørsted will generate around 10 per cent of the UK’s electricity.
Ørsted’s impact in the Humber stretches far beyond its offshore wind farms. The business has invested well over £40m into the local community, alongside education and skills development across the region. Over the past eight years, Ørsted has trained 75 apprentices through its apprenticeship programme, helping build the workforce needed to support the UK’s energy transition. Ørsted has been the main sponsor of the Great Grimsby 10k since its inaugural race, 11 years ago. Ørsted also joined forces with the national youth charity OnSide and committed £1m for the Horizon Youth Zone, a safe and inspiring facility for young people to spend leisure time and develop skills through positive activities.
Emma Toulson, Head of UK Stakeholder Relations at Ørsted, said: “We’re really pleased to be joining the Humber Energy Board and to be working alongside so many organisations that share our ambition for the region. “The Humber has played a central role in Ørsted’s UK offshore wind story for almost two decades. From Grimsby, we operate some of the world’s largest offshore wind farms, support skilled jobs and work closely with local partners to help deliver lasting benefits for communities.
“Joining HEB is a natural next step for us. It gives Ørsted the opportunity to add our voice and experience to a strong regional partnership that is championing investment, clean growth and the Humber’s vital role in the UK’s energy future.”
Ørsted’s membership of the Humber Energy Board builds on nearly two decades of offshore wind development in the region, including as the Industry Champion of the Humber Offshore Wind Cluster, and reinforces its role as a major investor, employer and long-term partner in the Humber’s clean energy future. From its East Coast Hub in Grimsby, Ørsted operates major offshore wind assets in the North Sea, including the Hornsea projects, supporting skilled jobs, supply chain activity and community investment across the Humber. By joining HEB, Ørsted will contribute its offshore wind expertise and regional experience to the Board’s united call for the Humber to be recognised as a prime investment opportunity and a central contributor to the UK’s energy security and clean growth ambitions.
In 2026, Humber Energy Board has seen significant growth as a membership body. In May, HEB welcomed six new members – Shell UK, energy technology company Siemens Energy, global energy logistics company Exolum, the operator of Britain’s national gas network, National Gas, Northern Endurance Partnership, and industry training provider CATCH. Working collaboratively with key partners, HEB and its 17 members act as a united voice for the Humber, highlighting the region as a prime investment opportunity and a pivotal contributor to UK energy supply, security and the transition to clean technologies.
