The UK will need 5GW of new offshore wind every year if it is to meet the Government’s clean power goals, according to a new report published today by Offshore Energies UK (OEUK).

OEUK’s 2026 Wind Insight warns that while offshore wind remains one of the UK’s biggest success stories, progress is starting to slow, and at the current rate of progress, the UK would reach only just over 30GW of offshore wind by 2030, short of the planned 43GW.

The report notes that the Government should aim to award up to 7GW of offshore wind in the next renewables auction (AR8). It also warns that the Grid’s planned upgrades must be completed by 2028.

Thibaut Cheret, OEUK’s wind and renewables manager said: “Offshore wind is vital for the UK’s clean energy goals, but achieving these ambitions requires building, connecting, and commissioning projects, not just setting targets.”

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