Offshore wind energy capacity in Europe increased 18% in 2018, according to research by WindEurope.
The trade body said 15 new offshore wind farms started operating last year, adding 2.6GW of new capacity.
The UK and Germany accounted for 85% of the new capacity, 1.3GW and 969MW respectively.
There are now 105 offshore wind farms operating across 11 countries with a total capacity of 18.5GW, WindEurope said.
Offshore wind, therefore, accounts for about 10% of total installed wind energy capacity in Europe, it added.
The average size of the new turbines installed last year increased 15% on 2017 to 6.8MW, with the world’s biggest offshore turbines – 8.8 MW – operating at Orsted’s 657MW Walney 3 project (pictured).
A further six offshore wind farms are currently under construction in Europe, including the world’s first 1GW-plus project – Hornsea 1 off the east coast of England.
Twelve more projects reached final investment decisions in 2018, representing another 4.2GW of capacity and €10.3bn of investment.
WindEurope chief executive Giles Dickson said: “Offshore wind now represents 2% of all the electricity consumed in Europe. And with a big pipeline of projects under construction and development, this number will rise significantly.
“The technology keeps developing. The turbines keep getting bigger. And the costs keep falling. It’s now no more expensive to build offshore wind than it is to build coal or gas plants. And it’s a good deal cheaper than new nuclear.”
He said more and more governments are recognising the merits of offshore wind, such as Poland with plans to build 10GW by 2040.
“But a few countries are underperforming on it and risk missing out. Sweden is not building any offshore wind despite great potential.
“Germany has only a modest target for 2030. And the ‘gamma minus’ performer is France which still has no offshore wind farms nor is it clear when they will have.
“These countries have a chance to put things right this year with their National Energy and Climate Plans – they should grab it with two hands.”