Posted on April 2, 2025
MORE than £300 million could be generated for the local economy if a proposed offshore wind farm goes ahead.
This follows the announcement of a partnership between Portland Port and European renewable energy company Source Galileo – which could bring 132 wind turbines to an area off the Dorset coast.
The energy firm has projects in Scandinavia and the Irish Sea and says that international investment to the Dorset project could see economic growth of between £149 million and £332 million.
Further details have been revealed about the proposed offshore wind farm project, known as PortWind, after the Echo spoke with Steve Freeman who is working with Source Galileo.
It has been revealed that it would create 320 operational jobs and 3,000 construction jobs.
It is stressed the project is at an early stage and any project development area will be subject to a future leasing round by the Crown Estate.
Source Galileo hopes that it could have the project – which has the potential to deliver enough renewable energy to help power more than three million households annually – operational by 2035.
The project would aim to promote clean energy, inspire young people and provide work experience and apprenticeship opportunities in the local area.
From left, Steve Freeman, offshore wind consultant working with Source Galileo, Portland Port Chief Executive Bill Reeves, Portland Port’s General Manager – Commercial, Ian McQuade, and Source Galileo’s Garrett Morrison, CDO, and Matt Vesey
Steve Freeman, offshore wind consultant working with Source Galileo, said: “Offshore wind in Dorset presents a huge opportunity for local communities.
“The PortWind project could also boost other clean energy initiatives associated with the Dorset Clean Energy Super Cluster like carbon capture and green hydrogen production, creating a ripple effect for even more jobs and training opportunities.
“At the centre of the cluster is port infrastructure, which would also see significant expansion of Portland Port and the Channel Gateway project and in turn become the catalysis for supply chain opportunities for Dorset and the wider south west.
“Dorset has a chance to lead in clean energy, meet its power needs, and benefit its residents and businesses.”
A 2.5GW grid connection into the Chickerell 400 kV substation has also been secured, which includes provision for a 350 MW battery energy storage system (BESS).
The sites suggested for the wind farm off the south coast
Two sites have been suggested for the wind farm, including an area south of Weymouth and in Lyme Bay off the west Dorset/east Devon coast, and another site further west south of Plymouth.
The closest any of the sites would be to the shore is 13.6 miles in order to reduce visibility from the coast, limit environmental impacts, and harness stronger wind speeds that are found further offshore.
No matter which site was picked, or made available by the Crown Estate, the base of operations would remain at Portland Port.
In February we reported how the port had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Source Galileo in a bid to ‘maximise opportunities’ for offshore wind development.
This would have ‘enhanced port infrastructure, supply chain and community benefits onshore’ – and help establish the port as a ‘leading renewable energy hub’ on the south coast.
At the time of the announcement, Dorset Council said: “We are delighted to hear about the ambitious plans to develop offshore wind capabilities off the Dorset coast.
“We need to know more, but from what we have seen so far, the plans outlined promise to bring significant benefits in terms of Dorset’s climate targets and the environment, as well as positive opportunities for Portland and the wider community. The creation of local jobs, possibility of international investment and the ripple effects this will have on Dorset’s economy, are most exciting.”
