Core Insights - Equinor ASA (EQNR) and joint venture Gwynt Glas have secured rights to develop floating wind farms in the Celtic Sea, marking a significant advancement in the UK's clean energy initiatives [1][2][4] Group 1: Project Details - EQNR and Gwynt Glas will develop 1.5 GW of floating wind capacity each, with a total of 3 GW, under leases from The Crown Estate [2][9] - The annual lease fee is set at $470 per megawatt, approximately £350 per MW, contributing to a broader initiative for up to 4.5 GW of floating wind generation in the Celtic Sea [2][9] - The projects are expected to power over four million homes, showcasing their potential impact on energy supply [2][9] Group 2: Economic Impact - The floating wind farms are anticipated to attract over £1 billion in investment and create thousands of jobs, particularly benefiting local supply chains and port infrastructure [5][9] - The Crown Estate plans to announce a third project to utilize the remaining 1.5 GW of capacity by September 2025, indicating ongoing development in the sector [3][6] Group 3: Strategic Importance - Equinor views this project as a long-term strategic investment, emphasizing the scalability and flexibility of the seabed lease in deeper waters, which is crucial for meeting the UK's net-zero targets [4][6] - The announcement signifies the start of a long-term industrial buildout, with potential for an additional 4-10 GW of floating wind capacity in the Celtic Sea by the end of the decade [6]