A new analysis by Menon Economics and TGS | 4C Offshore estimates that the construction and operation of offshore wind farms supported around 180,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs across Europe in 2025. Of the roughly 180,000 FTEs, around 55,000 were employed by companies supplying goods and services directly to offshore wind projects, while a further 125,000 jobs were supported through the wider supply chain. This means that each direct job supported around two additional jobs elsewhere in the supply chain.
The study found that offshore wind activities generated approximately EUR 26 billion in gross value added across Europe, with economic benefits extending through an increasingly integrated European supply chain.
Direct employment includes turbine manufacturers, foundation suppliers, cable producers, installation vessel operators, engineering firms and offshore construction contractors. Most jobs were linked to the development and construction of new wind farms, supporting around 155,000 FTEs. Fabrication, installation, engineering and maritime services accounted for the largest share of this employment. Operations and maintenance activities supported a further 25,000 FTEs.
The analysis shows that operations account for a growing share of value creation. Of the EUR 26 billion in gross value added, around EUR 16 billion was generated during the construction phase and around EUR 10 billion during operations.
Although operations account for a smaller share of employment, they contribute a larger share of value creation. Around EUR 7 billion was linked to electricity production, while operation and maintenance services accounted for approximately EUR 3 billion. Unlike construction-related activity, which depends on the pace of new project development, operational benefits are long term and are expected to increase as more offshore wind capacity comes online.
The largest value-added impacts were concentrated in Northern and Western Europe, particularly in countries with established offshore wind industries, advanced manufacturing capabilities and strong maritime supply chains. Germany, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Spain and the Netherlands captured the largest shares of economic value.
The study also found significant contributions from Norway, France, Poland and Belgium through activities such as maritime transport, installation, manufacturing and technical advisory services, highlighting the increasingly integrated nature of the European offshore wind sector.
The Economic Impact Analysis of European Offshore Wind in 2025 was carried out by Menon Economics in cooperation with TGS | 4C. The assessment used Menon's multi-regional input-output framework, based on the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Inter-Country Input-Output tables, and was calibrated using project-level data from TGS | 4C covering project timing, suppliers and expenditure across development, capital and operational cost categories.
The analysis measures gross economic impacts and does not account for alternative uses of labour or capital. The study will be updated annually to track the development of the European offshore wind industry over time.
