Europe’s offshore wind sector supported approximately 180,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs and generated EUR 26 billion in gross value added (GVA) in 2025, according to an analysis by Menon Economics and TGS | 4C.
The study revealed that 55,000 jobs were directly supported by companies supplying goods and services to offshore wind projects, while an additional 125,000 FTEs were created through the broader supply chain.
The development and construction of new offshore wind farms accounted for about 155,000 FTEs, with operations and maintenance (O&M) activities supporting around 25,000 jobs.
In terms of value creation, construction efforts contributed EUR 16 billion, while operational assets generated approximately EUR 10 billion. The study indicated that EUR 7 billion of the operational value came from electricity production, with O&M services accounting for the remaining EUR 3 billion.
The largest economic impacts were noted in Germany, the UK, Denmark, Spain, and the Netherlands, with Norway, France, Poland, and Belgium also benefiting from manufacturing, installation, maritime transport, and engineering services.
Menon and TGS observed that 2025 was a transitional year for the industry, with rising costs and challenging auction conditions counterbalanced by large project pipelines, record offtake awards, and increasing pressure to meet 2030 renewable energy targets.
“Offshore wind is often discussed through the lens of its current headwinds, but our analysis shows an industry that already underpins a substantial and broad-based economic footprint across Europe,” said Even Winje, Partner at Menon Economics. “More than 80 percent of today’s employment effects stem from building new wind farms, while the value created by operating existing farms is growing yearly. Combined, this makes offshore wind a vital contributor to European value creation, with significant upside given the current pipeline.”
According to the report, over 80 percent of employment impacts currently arise from the construction of new offshore wind farms, while the contribution from operating assets continues to increase as installed capacity grows.
Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz