The UK’s offshore wind market has grown 9 per cent in the past year as it continues to drive expansion globally.
A report published by RenewableUK today shows that globally the sector has seen a 16 per cent increase over the past 12 months. The biggest single market over that period was the USA, which accounted for 48 per cent of international growth, overtaking both China and Taiwan to become the third largest global market.
However, the UK remains the world’s largest single market – with projects totalling over 38.4GW at varying stages of development.
The report shows that Orsted is currently the largest owner of operational offshore wind projects in the UK, representing 20 per cent of the total, followed by Eon (10 per cent), Green Investment Group (9 per cent), Innogy (8 per cent), Vattenfall and SSE (both 7 per cent). However, when looking at the new-build programme, SSE takes the lead, with 21 per cent of the pipeline, followed by 20 per cent for Orsted, Vattenfall (13 per cent), Iberdola (12 per cent) and Innogy (10 per cent).
RenewableUK pointed put that the surge in projects had come in a year during which the costs of offshore wind have continued to fall, with a new auction process in the UK expected to secure up to 6,000MW of new capacity at prices below £56 per MWh.
RenewableUK’s chief executive Hugh McNeal said: “The UK is putting offshore wind at the heart of our energy future and markets across the globe are following our lead. Other countries are racing to match world leaders like the UK, opening up opportunities for export and investment across the globe. Innovation in offshore wind will help transform the UK’s energy system and set global trends in new markets.
“The UK is the most exciting offshore wind market in the world in 2019, with up to 6GW of new capacity coming forward at record low prices. The industry is creating new opportunities in communities across the UK and investing in talent to grow our workforce to over 27,000.”
Yesterday, it was announced that the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) had launched a £100 million programme to help British companies develop their services and export them around the world.