The UK renewable energy development pipeline stands at almost 39GW, according to new research by Cornwall Insight.
The company’s latest Renewables Pipeline Tracker shows total capacity of tracked sites in the pipeline at 38.7GW across 845 locations.
Cornwall Insight added that the majority of projects – 22.9GW – are classed as “awaiting construction”.
Cornwall Insight analyst Lucy Dolton said: “Unsurprisingly, more established technologies such as battery storage, solar PV, onshore and offshore wind currently dominate those projects progressing to ‘awaiting construction’, but also to ‘under construction’ and ‘operational’ development statuses.
“Of the 38.7GW pipeline, the data shows 3.2GW have confirmed transmission entry capacity to connect to the system.
“A further 66% is forecasted to connect at the transmission level, if developed, with the remaining 33% at distribution level.”
Dolton added that standalone battery is a key pipeline technology, accounting for the largest share by technology type in eight out of 14 DNO regions, followed by solar PV.
She said: “Offshore wind is expected to dominate transmission connections, but, notably, more large-scale onshore wind and even solar PV assets are likely to seek transmission connections.
“This is likely due to the economies of scale new sites are looking to achieve, especially those going subsidy-free.
“Integral to the development of the pipeline is the presence of confirmed routes to market.
“At present, our analysis indicates two confirmed power purchase agreements, both of which are associated with subsidy-free solar projects.
“Ten sites have corporate PPAs associated with mostly rooftop and ground-mounted solar sites, with two major onshore wind developments recently added.”