Global offshore wind projects surge by nearly 50% in 2020

The global pipeline of offshore wind projects has grown by 47% since January, new research has shown, with countries making huge investments despite the coronavirus pandemic.

The total capacity of projects that are operational, under construction, consented, in planning or in development stands at 197.4 gigawatts (GW), up from 134.7GW in mid-January, according to the Offshore Wind Project Intelligence report from RenewableUK.

Just over half (50.5%) of the pipeline is in Europe. Plans for 29 new projects – bringing the total to 67 – means the UK retains its top spot on the worldwide list, with a total pipeline of 41.3GW, up 12% since January. It has the largest operational capacity in the world, with 10.4GW.

“The global appetite to develop new offshore wind projects remains enormous, despite the pandemic this year, as this research proves,” said RenewableUK deputy chief executive Melanie Onn. “The UK and many other countries are counting on the rapid growth of the offshore wind sector to be a key driver in the worldwide green economic recovery. 

“The UK remains the biggest market for offshore wind in the world and our capacity is set to quadruple over the course of this decade following the prime minister’s landmark commitment to power every UK home with offshore wind by 2030. 

“As well as providing clean, low-cost power, our industry will continue to revitalise coastal communities, grow the UK supply chain and export our offshore wind goods and services around the world, as our unrivalled expertise is now in huge demand globally.”

China has leapt from fourth place in the global standings to second, with an 80% pipeline increase from 14.5GW to 26.1GW. The US is ranked third, with 10% growth this year.

Germany has the second most operational capacity with 7.7GW, China is third with 4.6GW, Belgium fourth with 1.8GW and Denmark fifth with 1.7GW.

The report, available to RenewableUK’s member companies, was published today (28 October) at the start of the trade association’s Global Offshore Wind 2020 event.

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