The UK’s offshore wind pipeline is set to reach 100GW in the coming months but has lost out on the top spot for installed capacity to China, according to RenewableUK.
This had been identified via the organisation EnergyPulse data analysts with the UK posting a 14GW increase in its pipeline over the past 12 months across 130 projects.
This includes 13.7GW of fully operational capacity with a further 13.6GW under construction or with support secured for a route to market.
Despite posting positive figures in the international market, the UK lost the top spot for installed capacity to China. China now leads the global race with 28.3GW of operational capacity, more than double the UK’s.
EY Global confirmed last year that despite losing the top spot, the UK boasts one of the largest offshore wind pipeline but this has slipped to second in the global rankings with China claiming the top spot.
The UK’s 13.7GW capacity represents 23% of the globe’s total capacity. China in contrast owns around 47%. Alongside this, 90% of the new offshore wind capacity which went operational in 2022 was in two markets: China and the UK.
“The UK retains a powerful position in offshore wind, second only to China, but we’re seeing incredible growth in new markets like Australia, the USA and Brazil. Since the invasion of Ukraine, there has been a global step-change in offshore wind which is a challenge to our current position as a world leader,” said RenewableUK’s chief executive Dan McGrail.
There’s now fierce global competition for investment in not only wind farms, but also manufacturing facilities and supply chains. The US and EU are offering massive financial incentives for renewable energy, while in the UK the Government has been raising taxes on clean energy.
“These figures underline the need for bold action to attract the billions in private investment we need, otherwise the UK risks being left behind in the years ahead, with money and jobs going to more attractive global markets.”