UK offshore wind pipeline grows to 99.8 GW, says RenewableUK

The UK’s pipeline of offshore wind projects has reached almost 100 GW after expanding by 14 GW over the past 12 months, according to research by RenewableUK’s EnergyPulse data analysts announced today.

The UK pipeline, covering projects at all stages, now totals 99.8 GW across 130 projects, of which 13.7 GW are in operation and 13.6 GW under construction, or with support for a route to market.

Over the same period, the global pipeline has increased by 508 GW to reach 1,174 GW across 1,417 projects located in 38 countries.

The UK has the second largest pipeline after China, which has 136.6 GW. It is followed by the US, Sweden, Germany, Brazil, Ireland, South Korea, and Australia.

The operational capacity globally now stands at 60 GW, of which China accounts for the largest share -- 28.3 GW, followed by the UK with 13.7 GW. The two countries added the bulk of new capacity in 2022, with China adding 3.8 GW and the UK 3.2 GW. China and the UK are expected to keep first and second place until at least 2030, says RenewableUK.

“The UK retains a powerful position in offshore wind, second only to China, but we’re seeing incredible growth in new markets like Australia, the USA and Brazil,” said RnewableUK’s chief executive Dan McGrail.

He, however, warned that the UK could be left behind as in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine there is now fierce global competition for investment in wind farms, as well as in manufacturing facilities and supply chains. “The US and EU are offering massive financial incentives for renewable energy, while in the UK the Government has been raising taxes on clean energy,” added McGrail.

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