The UK government has granted development consent for the Mona Offshore Wind Farm, a major renewable energy project in the eastern Irish Sea. Developed by Mona Offshore Wind, a joint venture between bp and Energie Baden-Württemberg (EnBW), this wind farm is set to become the largest in the Irish Sea, situated entirely in Welsh waters.
With an installed capacity of up to 1500 megawatts (MW), Mona will generate enough clean electricity to power over one million homes across the UK. This will significantly contribute to the UK’s net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050 and enhance national energy security by providing homegrown renewable power.
The project includes up to 96 offshore wind turbines supported by four offshore substation platforms. A thorough network of offshore interconnector, inter-array, and export cables will connect to an onshore substation at Bodelwyddan in North Wales, ensuring reliable transmission of electricity to the national grid.
Classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), Mona underwent a rigorous planning and examination process. The Development Consent Order (DCO) application was submitted in early 2024 and received approval by mid-2025, making it the fastest consent granted among the UK’s Round 4 offshore wind projects.
EnBW’s programme director highlighted Mona’s readiness to deliver large-scale, low-carbon energy while minimising environmental impacts.
The next key step is securing a marine licence from Natural Resources Wales, which is essential before construction can begin.
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