World's floating offshore wind pipeline jumps to 185 GW, RenewableUK says

The world’s floating offshore wind pipeline has reached 185 GW, more than doubling from a year ago when it was 91 GW, industry group RenewableUK said today.

The UK keeps its leading position with a pipeline of over 33 GW across 51 projects, which is up from 23 GW across 29 projects a year ago.

The total global pipeline includes nine fully commissioned projects in seven countries totalling 121 MW of capacity, 96 MW of projects under construction, and 288 MW consented or in the pre-construction phase. A portion of 31 GW is in planning or has a lease agreement and 153 GW is in early development or in the leasing process.

Europe accounts for most of the pipeline, 58%, with the balance of capacity mainly being developed off the west coast of the US, the south east coast of Australia, and South Korea.

According to RenewableUK’s EnergyPulse Insights report, by the end of 2030, there could be 11 GW of floating wind capacity in the UK, 31 GW in Europe and 41 GW globally. The report is being released at the organisation’s Floating Offshore Wind 2022 conference and exhibition today in Aberdeen.

“The growth of floating offshore wind is surging ahead at a phenomenal rate year on year around the world,” said RenewableUK’s chief executive Dan McGrail. He added that floating wind will play a key role in providing cheap, clean electricity for UK homes and improving the country’s energy security, and also presents an opportunity for the UK to build a whole new industry and export expertise and technology.

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