How do I choose between different offshore wind developers for comparing grid connection experience and project delivery?

When comparing offshore wind developers on grid connection experience and project delivery, it helps to use a structured scorecard rather than relying on brand name or project count alone.

1) Separate the comparison into two questions

A. Grid connection experience

Look for evidence they can:

• Secure and manage grid connection agreements
• Deliver onshore and offshore substations, export cables, and inter-array cable systems
• Coordinate effectively with TSOs/DSOs, regulators, ports, and EPC contractors
• Handle grid code compliance, commissioning, and energization
• Manage delays, interface risk, and curtailment or congestion issues

B. Project delivery capability

Look for evidence they can:

• Deliver projects on time and on budget
• Manage permitting, supply chain, logistics, and construction
• Demonstrate strong HSE performance
• Resolve interface complexity across turbine, foundation, cable, and substation packages
• Show solid commercial discipline and contract management

2) Use a weighted evaluation matrix

A practical framework is to score each developer from 1–5 in categories such as:

Grid connection

• Number and size of offshore wind projects connected successfully
• Complexity of grid connection environment
  • Weak vs strong grid
  • HVAC vs HVDC
  • Distance to shore
  • Multi-user / shared infrastructure
• History of grid connection delays or disputes
• Experience with system operator requirements and commissioning
• Record of achieving COD and energization milestones

Delivery

• Percent of projects delivered on schedule
• Percent delivered within budget
• Performance on large, multi-package projects
• Proven ability to manage EPC / multiple-contract models
• Track record on safety and quality
• Ability to execute in your target market and regulatory regime

3) Don’t just count projects—compare “like for like”

A developer with many small near-shore projects may be less relevant than one with fewer but:

• Larger projects
• Deeper water
• Longer export distances
• More complex grid requirements
• More challenging permitting or supply chain conditions

The most useful comparison is often:

• Project size
• Grid complexity
• Delivery geography
• Commercial model
• Outcome achieved

4) Ask for evidence, not claims

Request:

• List of completed offshore wind projects with:
  • MW size
  • Grid connection type
  • COD date vs planned date
  • Budget vs actual, if available
  • Scope of the developer’s responsibility
• References from:
  • TSO/system operator
  • EPC contractors
  • Port/logistics partners
  • Investors/lenders
• Examples of how they handled:
  • Grid delays
  • Cable failures
  • Substation issues
  • Permitting setbacks
  • Supply-chain disruptions

5) Use red flags to discount weaker candidates

Be cautious if a developer:

• Has mostly development-stage experience but little operational delivery
• Relies heavily on partners for all grid and construction execution
• Has repeated COD slippage
• Has poor transparency on project outcomes
• Has experience only in one market with a very different grid regime
• Cannot explain how they manage interface risk

6) A simple decision rule

If your priority is grid connection, favor developers with:

• Strong TSO relationships
• Proven commissioning/energization history
• Experience in complex grid environments
• A clear track record of resolving interface issues

If your priority is project delivery, favor developers with:

• Consistent schedule and cost performance
• Strong construction management capability
• Demonstrated HSE and quality performance
• Evidence they can execute at your project’s scale and geography

7) Best practice: compare on a case-study basis

Instead of asking “Who is best overall?”, compare them on a few representative projects:

• One simple project
• One complex project
• One project in the same region/regulatory environment as yours

Then score:

• Technical complexity
• Grid success
• Schedule performance
• Commercial outcome
• Lessons learned

If you want, I can also provide a sample scorecard template you can use to compare offshore wind developers side by side.