RenewableUK is reporting the growth of global offshore wind capacity by 21 per cent over the last 12 months, from 61.5GW a year ago to 75GW today.

Broken down by country, China and the UK retain their top positions with 36.7GW and 14.7GW operational respectively. Germany is third with 8.3GW, the Netherlands fourth with 3.7GW and Denmark fifth with 2.7GW.

The report also states that global operational offshore wind capacity could reach 277GW by the end of 2030, a near fourfold increase from today.

The global pipeline of projects at all stages of development (operational, under construction, consented, in planning or at an early stage of development) has increased to 1.2TW, with more than 1,500 projects across 41 countries. This increase is smaller than previous years due to developers refining their portfolios, and improvements in methods of leasing and consenting projects around the world.

China has the largest pipeline (227GW), with the UK second at 96GW across 122 projects in UK waters. The US is in third place with 94GW, Sweden fourth on 68GW and Brazil fifth with 61GW.

The report also reveals that the UK has 15.8GW of offshore wind capacity in the planning system awaiting a decision – the highest amount ever in planning at one time.

RenewableUK’s chief executive Dan McGrail said: “It’s great to see we’ve reached a landmark 75GW of offshore wind operational worldwide, with the UK maintaining its place as a global leader in an intensely competitive international market. It’s also significant that the UK has a record high of more than 15GW of new offshore wind capacity in planning. We’ll be urging the next government to reform the planning system to enable projects to go ahead in a more timely manner, to increase the UK’s energy security and drive down bills for consumers”.

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