UK setting an example to follow in the global transition to clean energy

The United Kingdom has positioned itself as a global leader in offshore wind energy, with substantial advancements in both installed capacity and government ambitions. As the UK works toward its decarbonization and renewable energy goals, offshore wind plays a key role in meeting future energy demands and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Installed capacity and growth

• The UK is currently home to approximately 11.3 GW of operational offshore wind capacity, which accounts for around 20% of the global total.
• The country has been rapidly expanding its offshore wind sector, with plans to reach 19.5 GW of installed capacity by the mid-2020s.
• The government has set an ambitious goal to achieve 50 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030. This goal aligns with the UK’s broader commitment to reducing carbon emissions and achieving a sustainable energy future.
• By 2035, the UK aims to further expand its offshore wind capacity to 86 GW, marking a significant increase in capacity to support the nation’s clean energy transition.

Government ambitions

• The UK government’s target for 2030 is 50 GW of offshore wind capacity, representing a cornerstone of the nation’s renewable energy strategy.
• By 2050, the UK aims to fully decarbonize its energy sector, with offshore wind playing a critical role in this transition as part of the country’s net-zero emissions target, outlined in the Climate Change Act of 2008.
• The government continues to invest in offshore wind technology and infrastructure to achieve these ambitious targets, positioning the UK as a global leader in renewable energy.

Current and upcoming projects

The UK government has rolled out multiple leasing rounds to expand offshore wind projects:

• Round 4 launched in 2021, offering 8 GW of new capacity through six projects.
• Round 5 is focused on floating wind, with the potential for 4.5 GW in the Celtic Sea.
• The ScotWind program, initiated in 2022, has made 30 GW available for leasing in Scottish waters, including a significant focus on floating offshore wind projects.

These projects are central to expanding the UK’s offshore wind capacity and supporting the government’s 2030 and 2050 targets.

The UK’s focus on floating wind technology, particularly in deeper waters, is expected to drive innovation and open new areas for offshore wind development.

Recent developments

• The UK’s Offshore Wind Sector Deal, introduced in 2019, aims to support the industry in reaching 30 GW by 2030.
• The government continues to support offshore wind development through its Contract for Difference (CfD) scheme, which offers a stable price hedge for wind generators, ensuring long-term investment confidence.
• New regulatory developments are streamlining the permitting process for offshore wind projects, which is crucial for meeting the ambitious capacity targets. In particular, there is a growing focus on the development of floating wind technologies and projects in deeper waters, such as those planned for the Celtic Sea and the ScotWind leasing areas.
• The UK’s commitment to offshore wind is also supported by robust policies aimed at reducing the cost of offshore wind generation, improving supply chain infrastructure, and promoting technological innovations.

The United Kingdom’s offshore wind sector is on track to become one of the largest and most advanced in the world. With government-backed targets, supportive regulations, and large-scale projects underway, the UK is poised to achieve its renewable energy ambitions. The continued expansion of offshore wind capacity will not only help meet national energy demands but also contribute significantly to the country’s overall net-zero goals, setting an example for other nations to follow in the global transition to clean energy.

This information is updated in March 2025

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