New research published by RenewableUK’s (RUK) EnergyPulse data analysts shows that the UK’s pipeline of offshore wind projects at all stages of development now stands at almost 100GW.
In total it found 99.8GW across 130 projects – an increase of 14GW over the past 12 months.
This includes 13.7GW of fully operational capacity and a further 13.6GW under construction or with support secured for a route to market.
The global pipeline now stands at 1174GW across 1417 projects in 38 countries – an increase of 508GW over the past 12 months.
The UK’s pipeline is 8.5% of the global total – the first time that it has fallen below 10%, as new markets have emerged in Australasia and South America.
In terms of global operational capacity, which is now 60GW, China is in the lead with 47% (28.3GW), while the UK retains its position as the 2nd largest with 23% (13.7GW), RUK found.
90% of the new offshore wind capacity which went operational in 2022 was in two markets: China (3.8GW) and the UK (3.2GW).
China and the UK are expected to retain first and second place until at least 2030, according to the analysis.
RenewableUK’s chief executive Dan McGrail said: “It’s great to see the UK retaining a powerful position in offshore wind, second only to China.
“However, as our latest report shows, new markets are emerging fast in places like Australia and Brazil, so we can’t take our current status as a world leader for granted.
“The US and EU are offering massive financial incentives for developers to build renewable energy projects – while in the UK we’re being taxed more heavily than oil and gas companies.
“Unless we take bold action to attract billions in private investment, we risk being left behind in the years ahead – the money will simply go elsewhere and we’ll lose out on tens of thousands of jobs.”