2017 busiest year yet for UK offshore wind

Findings from the Crown Estate show UK offshore wind generated over 20.8 TWh last year, enough to supply 5.3 million homes.

The 6^th annual Offshore Wind Operational Report reveals that 36 offshore wind farms (fully operational and those under construction but already generating) supplied 6.2% of the UK’s estimated electricity generation, reducing CO2 emissions by 8.6 million tonnes.

With 372 wind turbines installed between January and December 2017, construction was a major theme for 2017, making it the busiest year yet. There was 2 GW of new capacity added, of which 1.8 GW was operational by the end of 2017. Providing 43% of the total, the UK has the largest operational capacity of offshore wind installed in Europe.

There were 33 fully operational offshore wind farms by the end of 2017, with an additional 8 under construction. There were 15 offshore wind farm sites under construction in 2017. Seven new wind farms began generating in the year and four reached full operation and this growth will enable the sector to grow its contribution to the UK’s electricity supply to 10% by 2020.   

Huub den Rooijen, Director of Energy, Minerals & Infrastructure at The Crown Estate said:

“2017 has been a milestone year for the UK offshore wind sector, the busiest yet for construction, and delivering more electricity than ever before.

This latest report showcases an increasingly mature sector, delivering large-scale, low-carbon power, with record low bid prices for future projects, making the most of the UK’s world-class seabed resources and creating jobs opportunities across the country.”

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