The UK and Ireland are global leaders in the wind energy sector, utilizing both onshore and offshore resources to achieve their renewable energy goals. In the first quarter of 2023, wind power became the UK's largest source of electricity, accounting for 32.4% of the country's electricity, generated by over 2,000 wind farms with a total capacity exceeding 30 GW.
As wind energy plays a major role in the net zero targets for both the UK and Ireland, it functions as a cornerstone of the region's strategy to combat climate change and transition to a sustainable energy future.
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OFFSHORE WIND
UK
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The UK launched its first offshore project in 2000 and has since grown into one of the world's largest offshore wind markets, with a total capacity exceeding 14 GW (2024). Offshore wind farms in the UK are crucial for maximizing energy output and achieving the UK's net zero targets by 2050. With substantial projects in areas like the North Sea, the sector continues to attract significant investment, driving innovation and economic growth. |
SCOTLAND
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Scotland is a pioneer in both onshore and offshore wind, aiming to be among the top ten global offshore wind markets. The Scottish government is committed to expanding its wind capacity to meet ambitious renewable energy targets, with a pipeline of almost 42 GW of offshore wind, including up to 25 GW of floating wind capacity by 2035. |
WALES
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Wales is rapidly developing its wind energy sector. Despite having an existing 730 MW of offshore wind and wind providing 70% of Welsh electricity, the Welsh government aims for renewable sources to provide 100% of Wales' electricity by 2035. These plans include developing 4.5 GW of floating wind in the Celtic Sea by 2035.
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ONSHORE WIND
UK |
While the UK is a global leader in offshore wind, onshore wind remains the most cost-effective option for new electricity generation in the UK. Although onshore wind was restricted until 2023, these restrictions have now been eased, allowing for further development across England. By the end of 2023, the UK had a total cumulative installed onshore wind capacity of 3.1 GW and 279 onshore wind farms. |
SCOTLAND |
Onshore wind farms are widespread across the UK, particularly in Scotland and Wales, where favorable wind conditions and expansive rural areas make them highly effective. These projects significantly contribute to local economies and provide a reliable source of renewable energy. By the end of 2023, Scotland had an existing onshore wind capacity of 9.5 GW and 329 onshore wind farms. |
WALES |
Wales has a clear vision for the expansion of onshore wind and is undergoing a rapid transition with many projects under development. It has a forecast pipeline exceeding 2.2 GW, with an existing capacity of 1.2 GW and 69 onshore wind farms by the end of 2023. Onshore wind farms are a critical part of Wales' renewable energy strategy, contributing significantly to its sustainability goals. |
WIND IN IRELAND
IRELAND |
Ireland is advancing its wind energy infrastructure through both onshore and offshore projects, aiming to achieve up to 80% renewable electricity by 2030. National targets have been set for connecting 8 GW of onshore and 5 GW of offshore wind to the grid by 2030.
Additionally, Ireland is part of the European Wind Power Action Plan, released by the European Commission in 2023, and is a member of the North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC). In 2023, Ireland participated in launching a schedule of offshore wind auctions up to 2030, with a goal of deploying over 13 GW of capacity by 2040.
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OFFSHORE WIND |
Ireland launched its first offshore wind auction in 2023, securing projects with a capacity exceeding 3 GW. This initiative is part of Ireland's broader plan from 2024 to achieve 20 GW of offshore wind by 2040 and at least 37 GW by 2050. The projects procured from the auction are expected to generate enough electricity to power 2.5 million Irish homes.
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ONSHORE WIND |
Onshore wind power has emerged as the most efficient renewable energy source in Ireland, supplying 34% of the country’s total electricity needs in 2022. With onshore wind farms boasting a capacity exceeding 6.5 GW as of 2023, Ireland is committed to further expanding its onshore wind projects, with plans to add an additional 9 GW capacity by 2030. |