Offshore wind energy in the UK

Offshore wind energy is set to be a crucial part of the UK’s renewable energy strategy, offering the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions while bolstering energy security. The robust winds of the North Sea and the extensive British coastline provide an ideal setting for the development of offshore wind farms, meaning the UK can lead the way in the global transition to sustainable energy.

In this blog, Matthew Chapman, Origination Analyst takes a look at this unique energy form, examining its benefits, challenges, and the impact it can have on the UK’s energy market. Join us as we explore how harnessing the winds of the North Sea and beyond can propel the UK towards a cleaner, greener, and more resilient energy future.

Generation & Capacity…

The UK currently has just under 14GW of offshore wind capacity, and with ambitious net zero targets and plans to decarbonise power generation, offshore wind is a target for the government with high potential. It brings an important technology to the forefront that the UK energy industry and government are looking to rapidly grow to harness the potential that wind has on the UKCS (UK continental shelf) to generate clean electricity. The Labour Party now aims to quadruple capacity by 2030 which will also include floating offshore wind to unlock deep waters and combat challenging seabed conditions. Due to the intermittent nature of wind, generation will also play a key role. Over winter months throughout the last couple of years, we have seen an average daily generation between 8 and 10 GWh/h’s. In summer months where wind speeds have tended to be lower and demand has typically dropped, generation has sat between 4 and 6 GWh/h’s. 

What & Why…

What actually is offshore wind and why is the UK expanding capacity? 

Offshore wind involves generating energy from wind turbines located at sea. These turbines are typically larger and more powerful than onshore ones, as they can take advantage of the stronger and more consistent winds found offshore. Turbines are secured on platforms that can be fixed or floating, depending on the depth of water and the seabed conditions. The electricity produced from these is then transported via underwater cables to the onshore electricity grid, where it is distributed to homes and businesses.

The UK is particularly well-suited for offshore wind developments due to its favourable geography with long coastlines, shallow waters, and 115,000 km² of potential. Additionally, the country has a high dependency on fossil fuels for electricity generation and with climate goals such as the Paris Agreement and further targets such as net zero power generation, large scale offshore wind projects could help cut reliance on traditional power generation methods.

Benefits of Offshore Wind…

Offshore wind energy offers several benefits:

• Environmental: Offshore wind farms generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gasses, thus play a crucial role in mitigating climate…