RenewableUK has said it thinks 2016 will be a “healthy” year for the onshore and offshore wind sectors with many new construction projects going ahead.
But the organisation warns that the future beyond this is “uncertain”, warning that some construction projects will have to be cancelled because the government has withdrawn financial support.
RenewableUK’s figures suggest onshore wind developers will install 1.2GW of new capacity in 2016 with over 50 projects becoming fully operational. This would be more than three times the capacity installed in 2015.
The acceleration is being fuelled by a rush to get projects up and running before current market arrangements end in 2016.
It added that construction of six offshore wind projects with a combined capacity of over 2.6GW is currently underway, with onshore substations being built and cables being laid.
Building work will start on another five offshore projects in 2016, adding a further 1.9GW.
Deputy chief executive Maf Smith said “The UK’s wind energy infrastructure pipeline remains healthy in the immediate term, continuing to bring billions of pounds of investment to British companies across the supply chain and supporting 35,000 jobs.
“No government would want to jeopardise the successful future of such an industry. Government understands this and has set out a long term framework for offshore wind, allowing industry to plan ahead.”
Image: MorgueFile
Wind growth expected in 2016
But RenewableUK warns of race to finish construction before rules change
By EBS