A new report from RenewableUK has found that the global capacity of offshore wind increased by over 20% in 2023, reaching a figure of 75 GW.

The report suggests that global operational offshore wind capacity could rise to 277 GW by 2030, representing a fourfold increase from current figures. The global pipeline of projects at all development stages (from operational to planning and early stages of development) has increased from 1231 GW, compared to 1228 GW a year ago, with over 1,500 projects spanning 41 countries. The increase is relatively small compared to previous years due to developers adjusting their portfolios, improvements in leasing methods and consenting projects worldwide.

China contains the largest pipeline (227 GW), with the UK consisting of the second largest (96GW) covering 122 projects within UK waters.  The USA is close to the UK, with Sweden and Brazil making up the top 5 offshore wind developers.

The RenewableUK report also highlights that the UK has 15.8GW of offshore wind capacity in the planning stage, awaiting a decision. The report also shows that 10,774MW of new UK offshore wind capacity are eligible for the Contracts for Difference auction (AR6), spanning 12 fixed projects, and four floating projects.

The average time for a project to be operational after receiving a CfD is five years, so any capacity granted in the next allocation rounds could contribute to the UK’s target of 50 GW by 2030.

The report suggests that nearly 44 GW of capacity could be operational by 2030 in UK waters. Dan McGrail, the CEO of RenewableUK, explains that it’s promising to see us achieve a landmark figure of 75 GW for operational offshore wind globally and the UK maintaining its leading role in a very competitive market. McGrail explains that to consolidate the UK’s position further, the next government must strengthen the amount of offshore wind capacity secured in the next auction for new projects.

The report suggests that the existing budget will only allow less than half the capacity which is eligible to proceed, and the current budget for floating wind will only enable one project to be secured this year, despite four being able to bid this year. We must be more ambitious when the next government is in place, suggests RenewableUK.

It’s also critical that the UK has a record high of over 15GW of new offshore wind capacity in the planning stage. RenewableUK will encourage the next government to adjust the planning system to allow more projects to proceed more time-efficiently, increasing domestic energy security and reducing bills.

The report will be released before the RenewableUK Global Offshore Wind conference in Manchester.

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