Deep Wind Offshore brings in new investor for offshore wind
Energy Valley member Deep Wind Offshore announces that Octopus Energy will join the ownership side of the company, together with the existing industrial owners Knutsen OAS, Haugaland Kraft and Sunnhordland Kraftlag.
“The potential for offshore wind is absolutely massive and in many ways we’re only at the start of this burgeoning industry. Working with Deep Wind Offshore is hugely exciting, providing access to new offshore wind markets for us where they have deep expertise. Ultimately, the more offshore wind farms built across the globe, the quicker we can drive down bills and create a more secure energy system for everyone,” says CEO of Octopus Energy Generation, Zoisa North-Bond.
Deep Wind Offshore is an international offshore wind developer with a pipeline of projects in Norway, Sweden and South Korea, countries that all have enormous wind resources and strong government support for offshore wind. The company aims to build 10 GW of new offshore wind by 2032, with 2 GW under exclusive development in South Korea.
“Welcoming Octopus as an investor will enable Deep Wind Offshore to accelerate international growth and strengthen its position in Norway. Knutsen OAS, Haugaland Kraft and SKL have formed the ideal basis for the company and will continue to be key owners,” says CEO of Deep Wind Offshore, Knut Vassbotn.
Octopus’ investment will accelerate Deep Wind Offshore’s growth and further develop the company’s pipeline of fixed and floating offshore wind farms, also towards new markets.
“The support from Octopus combined with our expertise means that we now have the strength to grow significantly, also internationally. The investments from Octopus and our connection with Norwegian municipalities ensure that we will not only provide plenty of renewable energy, but also a basis for future growth on both sides of the North Sea,” continues Vassbotn.
Deep Wind Offshore was founded in Norway in January 2021 and has since grown rapidly in a number of countries and has partnerships with large energy companies such as EDF Renewables and bp.
The vast majority of Octopus’s managed funds comes from large UK pension funds and institutional investors. This investment by Octopus will be funded purely by UK pension capital.
The agreement comes in the wake of Octopus’ announcement to release 20 billion dollars in investment for offshore wind globally. It marks Octopus’ entry into Norway and South Korea’s renewable markets, and increases the project portfolio of Octopus Energy Generation to 15 countries.
Forecasts estimate that the offshore wind sector could be worth $1 trillion by 2030 and span at least 24 markets, highlighting the scale of the industry’s growth potential.
