A report by RenewableUK shows that the total pipeline of floating offshore wind projects has grown significantly in the last 12 months in terms of capacity from 185GW a year ago to 244GW now.

The 32 per cent increase has resulted from the number of projects in the pipeline globally growing from 230 to 285, the pipeline includinf projects at any stage: fully operational, under construction, approved, in the planning system awaiting a decision or at an early stage of development.

So far, 227 megawatts of floating wind are fully operational across 14 projects in 7 countries. Norway has the most with 94MW across 3 projects. The UK is second with 80MW (2 projects), Portugal has 25MW (1 project) and China is fourth with 19MW across 3 projects. Japan has 5MW (2 projects), Spain 2.225MW (2 projects) and France 2MW (1 project).

Globally, 46MW are under construction (3 projects), 576MW are consented or in the pre-construction phase (11 projects), 68GW are in the planning system or have a lease agreement (80 projects), and 175GW are in early development or applying for a lease (177 projects).
Of floating wind capacity announced so far worldwide, 14 per cent is in the UK (35GW - of which 29GW is in Scottish waters). Italy has the largest project pipeline (40GW), with nearly all its 47 projects are at an early stage of development.

The report also shows that demand for floating foundations is expected to ramp up fast, with the potential for 472 in the UK by the end of 2032, and there could be 1,924 for projects globally by the end of 2032.

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