The total global pipeline of floating offshore wind projects has more than doubled in the past year, from 91 GW to 185 GW, according to a new report published by RenewableUK.
The report detailed how the number of offshore wind projects has increased globally during that time from 130 to 230, RenewableUK said. The report included pipelines at any stage: operational, under construction, approved, in the planning system, or at any early development.
The ‘EnergyPulse Insights’ report had the UK maintaining its global lead, with a pipeline larger than any other country – now over 33 GW from 23 GW a year ago. The research consisted of 51 projects in total, with Hornsea Two taking the title as the world’s largest offshore wind farm, generating enough energy to power over 1.4 million UK homes.
The projects are being developed in the North Sea (Scottish and English waters), the Celtic Sea, and the North Atlantic Ocean.
Within the global 185 GW pipeline, 121 MW is fully commissioned over nine projects in seven countries, 96 MW is under construction, 288 MW is consented or in the pre-construction phase, 31 GW is in planning or has a lease agreement and 153 GW is in early development or is in the leasing process.
107 GW (58%) of floating capacity is being developed in Europe and 33.3 GW (18%) of the global floating portfolio is in the UK, of which 29 GW is in Scottish waters.
The majority of the rest of the leasing areas are off the west coast of the US, the southeast coast of Australia, and South Korea. The report states that by the end of 2030, floating wind capacity could reach 11 GW in the UK, 31 GW in Europe, and 41 GW globally.
“In the years ahead, as we build projects further out to sea where wind speeds are even stronger, floating wind will play a central role in providing cheap, clean electricity for British homes as well as boosting our energy security”, said Dan McGrail, CEO of RenewableUK.
RenewableUK’s report also outlines that demand for floating foundations is expected to rapidly increase, with the potential for nearly 1,000 to be installed in UK waters by the end of 2030 while globally that number could go up to 3,200 units by the end of the decade.
