UK - Offshore wind energy boosted by 32 GW

Even as the UK hailed massive plans for expansion of offshore wind that will see capacity boosted by up to 32 GW, the awkward questions began. Will the supply chain be up to the challenge? Will the right turbines be available at the right time? What about the grid?

What is not in doubt is that when The Crown Estate concluded its Round 3 leasing programme for large offshore wind development, it secured the nation’s position as the world’s offshore pace-setter. At up to 32 GW, projects planned under Round 3 alone aim to deliver a quarter of the UK’s total electricity needs by 2020, with a combined estimated investment of around £100 billion (US$156 billion).

The nine zones of development could each potentially contain multiple projects with some yielding around 10 GW. In total, Round 3 is anticipated to deliver at least 25 GW of installations, compared to the combined total of 8 GW from the earlier Rounds 1 and 2. In all, more than 40 GW of offshore sites are currently being brought forward in UK coastal waters.

The nine offshore projects already operational in the UK have a combined capacity of 688 MW from 228 turbines. A further 1156 MW is under construction and 3500 MW more is consented. Compared with a global total of approximately 1500 MW of offshore wind installed, the UK is, for the moment, racing away.

For more information please contact Trevor Sievert at ts@windfair.net