Record gains in UK offshore wind capacity masks difficulties in onshore developments

Three major offshore wind projects went fully operational in 2022, which helped contribute to a record extra wind capacity of 3,511MW that was added in the last year, enough to power more than 3.4 million UK homes, new research has shown.

However, the new record numbers for offshore wind were tempered by the fact that in England just two new onshore wind projects were built; there were just six onshore projects in Scotland; one in Wales and two in Northern Ireland.

The combined onshore wind projects added just 318MW extra capacity, most of it in Scotland, says EnergyPulse who carried out the research.

The government announced a consultation in December last year on proposed changes to planning rules in England which could enable more new capacity to be developed in areas where there is public support.

Despite the record annual gains in offshore wind, the UK’s renewable industry is still calling on more reforms to enable more projects to be developed, which are vital to meet our energy security and climate targets.

Industry body RenewableUK represents more than 400 member companies and Dan McGrail, their chief executive, said: “The latest figures show we made terrific progress in installing a record amount of new offshore wind capacity last year. However, we still need to ensure that the glacial pace of the consenting process is stepped up significantly to stay on track for the quadrupling of offshore capacity that the Government wants to see by 2030 as a key step in strengthening the UK’s energy security.

“In all parts of the UK, including Scotland, investors are highlighting the planning system as a major block on developing onshore new wind farms. Onshore wind is one of our cheapest sources of new power and the Government’s own polling shows that four-fifths of the public support it. But outdated planning rules and lack of resources in planning authorities mean progress and investment are being held back.”