KKR acquires 50% stake in Norfolk Vanguard East and Norfolk Vanguard West offshore wind projects
By Global Infrastructure Sherpa · Jan 14, 2026
Norfolk Vanguard East and Norfolk Vanguard West
Project
KKR will acquire a 50% equity stake in each of the Norfolk Vanguard East and Norfolk Vanguard West projects, with both partners jointly developing, constructing and operating the wind farms. Closing of this transaction is subject to customary approval and expected in summer 2026.
Deal Analysis
KKR's acquisition of a 50% stake in RWE's Norfolk Vanguard East and Norfolk Vanguard West offshore wind projects represents a significant investment in the UK's renewable energy infrastructure. The partnership aims to jointly develop, construct, and operate the 3.1 GW wind farms, demonstrating a commitment to expanding offshore wind capacity. While the deal value remains undisclosed, the involvement of major players like KKR and RWE underscores the attractiveness of large-scale renewable energy projects to institutional investors seeking long-term, stable returns. The transaction is subject to customary approvals and is expected to close in the summer of 2026.
This deal highlights the increasing trend of infrastructure funds partnering with established energy companies to develop and operate renewable energy assets. RWE, as a leading renewable energy company, benefits from KKR's capital and expertise in infrastructure development, while KKR gains access to a substantial portfolio of offshore wind projects in a key European market. The UK Offshore Wind Project's involvement further solidifies the project's importance within the UK's energy transition strategy. The successful completion of this project will contribute significantly to the UK's renewable energy targets and enhance energy security.
- KKR acquires 50% stake in 3.1 GW offshore wind projects.
- Partnership between KKR and RWE for joint development and operation.
- Transaction highlights institutional investor interest in renewable energy.
- Deal expected to close in summer 2026, subject to approvals.
Market Context: The offshore wind sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by government policies promoting renewable energy and technological advancements that are reducing costs. The UK is a leading market for offshore wind development, attracting significant investment from both domestic and international players.
Source Intelligence
KEY DETAILS
Commissioning of the projects is expected for 2029 (Norfolk Vanguard West) and 2030 (Norfolk Vanguard East).
Closing of the partnership transaction and the project financing, as well as the final investment decision (FID), are targeted for summer 2026.
“
Capacity
The Norfolk Vanguard East and Norfolk Vanguard West projects have been awarded contracts today totalling 3.1 GW.
“
Location
Located 50 to 80 kilometres off the coast of Norfolk, once operational, the projects will be able to generate enough electricity to power around 3 million UK homes.
“
PPA Details
RWE’s Norfolk Vanguard East and Norfolk Vanguard West projects, as well as its two Dogger Bank South projects, all of which are located in the British North Sea, and its Awel y Môr project located in the Irish Sea secured 20-year CfDs at a strike price of £91.20 per megawatt hour (MWh), in 2024 prices, inflation-indexed, as confirmed by the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
“
Announcement
Essen/Swindon, 14 January 2026
“
Expected Close
Closing of this transaction is subject to customary approval and expected in summer 2026.
PARTIES MENTIONED IN SOURCE
K
KKR
investor
"RWE and KKR join forces to develop, construct and operate the Norfolk Vanguard East and Norfolk Vanguard West projects"
R
RWE
developer
"RWE and KKR join forces to develop, construct and operate the Norfolk Vanguard East and Norfolk Vanguard West projects"
M
Masdar
partner
"With the Dogger Bank South projects and our renowned partner Masdar, we are experiencing firsthand the value of strong partnerships."
S
Stadtwerke München
partner
"And at Awel y Môr, we are proud to collaborate with Stadtwerke München and Siemens, who bring their expertise and commitment to our shared success."
S
Siemens
partner
"And at Awel y Môr, we are proud to collaborate with Stadtwerke München and Siemens, who bring their expertise and commitment to our shared success."
high quality
Enriched Feb 19, 2026
Market Context
This deal is part of the Wind sector in UK.
1 of 137 Wind deals tracked this month · Updated daily