New research by RenewableUK shows that more than ten times as much UK offshore wind capacity was installed in 2022 than was built onshore.

The analysis by RenewableUK’s EnergyPulse data analysts reveals that a total of 3.51GW of new wind capacity was added last year. Three major offshore wind projects went fully operational in 2022, adding 3.19 GW of new capacity, a record and much higher than the previous record of 2.1GW set in 2018, and a significant increase on 2021, when just one offshore project went fully operational.

Ten new onshore wind projects were installed in 2022, adding. Six of the new projects were built in Scotland, providing nearly all the new capacity. One went operational in Wales, one project in England and two in Northern Ireland. But this represents less new UK onshore capacity than was built in 2021, when 370MW was added,

The Government announced a consultation in December on proposed changes to planning rules in England which could enable more new capacity to be developed in areas where there is public support. Planning reforms are also underway in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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