EDF Takes Full Ownership of Five Estuaries Offshore Wind Farm After RWE Sells

Energy major EDF has acquired RWE's 33.33% share in Five Estuaries Offshore Wind Farm, with the transaction finalised. The stake was transferred to EDF power solutions UK and Ireland, and as the new majority partner EDF will assume the lead role in driving the project forward on behalf of the joint venture.

Transition of project leadership

Although RWE has exited the project, it will remain involved in the near term to help hand over responsibilities smoothly. Money raised from the disposal is earmarked for reinvestment across RWE's portfolio of already consented offshore developments. Speaking after completion, an RWE spokesperson said: "The priority of the Five Estuaries project is to progress its transition from development into construction and ultimately operation. We're delighted that EDF, with its long-standing commitment to delivering UK renewables, is committed to maintaining the pace of the project's ambitions, and we look forward to seeing it come to fruition in the months and years to come."

What the consented scheme involves

Five Estuaries received its development consent on 17 December 2025 from the Secretary of State for Energy Security & Net Zero. The wind farm is to be built in the southern North Sea, spanning two seabed areas with a combined footprint of roughly 128 square kilometres.

Under its consent, the project may include as many as 79 wind turbines, each with a maximum tip height of 370 metres, together with the associated foundations. When fully up and running, the scheme is expected to generate enough electricity to supply approximately 1 million average UK households.

Sale fits into RWE's offshore growth plans

The disposal comes as RWE continues to build out one of the largest offshore wind businesses globally. The company emerged as the biggest winner in the UK's Contracts for Difference Allocation Round 7 (AR7) for offshore wind last year, securing awards for five projects with a combined installed capacity of 6.9 gigawatts (GW).

RWE holds a substantial pipeline of development projects and aims to grow its offshore wind capacity by a net 5 GW by 2031. Proceeds from the Five Estuaries sale will support investment in this consented pipeline.