UK’s Wind Power: A Gust of Growth in the Renewable Energy Sector

Written by

Inemesit Ukpanah

Last updated

15 March 2024

The United Kingdom, with its long coastline, shallow waters, and strong winds, is one of the world’s best locations for wind energy. Over the years, the UK has emerged as a global leader in renewable energy, focusing significantly on wind power. 

As of 2023, the UK had over 11,000 wind turbines with a total installed capacity of 30 gigawatts (GW), split evenly between onshore and offshore installations. This makes the UK the sixth-largest wind power capacity globally. 

The UK has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net zero by 2050. Wind energy has become a significant source of renewable electricity, accounting for 22.6% of the country’s electricity consumption in 2021. The UK government aims to reach 40 GW offshore wind capacity by 2030. 

The United Kingdom is witnessing remarkable growth in wind energy, emerging as a leader in the renewable energy landscape. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the rise of wind energy in the UK, exploring its benefits, challenges, and impact on the energy sector.

The Growth of Wind Power in the UK

The amount of power generated by wind in the UK has seen significant growth in recent years. Wind power has become the UK’s leading power source, producing more electricity than gas and imports. In the first quarter of 2023, wind power contributed to a third of the country’s electricity. 

This growth results from the UK’s geographic advantages, advancements in wind turbine technology, and the government’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning towards a sustainable future. 

The birth of wind power in the UK can be traced back to the 1990s when the first commercial wind farms were established. In the early 2000s, the UK government set ambitious targets for renewable energy, significantly boosting the wind energy sector. 

Onshore wind in the UK has grown massively, with over 1,500 operational onshore wind farms generating a total of 34.7 terawatt hours (TWh). Offshore wind power has also played a pivotal role in transforming the UK’s energy landscape.

Here is a comprehensive data table that represents the growth of wind power in the UK from Statista and IEA

As of 2020, nearly 2,200 wind turbines across 35 offshore wind farms contributed 13%of the UK’s electricity needs. The UK government has outlined ambitious plans to increase offshore wind capacity to 40GW by 2030, triple the current output. 

The UK’s wind power industry has contributed to the country’s energy needs and brought significant economic benefits. The industry has created thousands of job opportunities for wind turbine technicians and other roles. 

Furthermore, the UK government auction secured a record 11 gigawatts (GW) of new renewable energy capacity that will generate electricity nine times cheaper than current gas prices. This is expected to bring down the cost of electricity for consumers and businesses, contributing to the overall economy.

Wind Electricity Generation

The rise of wind energy in the UK is a remarkable story of technological advancement, policy support, and environmental stewardship. As the country continues to invest in wind power, it is poised to remain a global leader in renewable energy for years to come.

The UK government has allocated over £380 million to boost the offshore wind sector and achieve its 40 GW offshore wind capacity target by 2030. Additionally, the government has invested £160 million in offshore wind power hubs. 

The UK has numerous successful wind energy projects, such as the world’s largest offshore wind farm off the coast of Yorkshire. The UK hosts seven of the world’s biggest offshore wind farms. In December 2020, wind energy supplied 50.67% of the UK’s electricity demand.

By 2023, the UK had over 11 thousand wind turbines with a total installed capacity of 30 gigawatts (GW): 15 GW onshore and 15 GW offshore. The United Kingdom has been a pioneer in harnessing wind energy, with many wind turbines installed across the country.

Top Ten Locations of Wind Turbines and Their Capacity

The UK is home to some of the largest wind farms in the world. Here are the top ten locations of wind turbines in the UK, along with their capacity:

Monthly Average Wind Electricity Production

Wind speed averages in the UK are generally highest in the first and fourth quarters of each calendar year, the winter months. Wind energy generation accounted for 24% of total electricity generation (including renewables and non-renewables) in 2020, with offshore wind accounting for 13% and onshore wind accounting for 11%.

In 2020, the UK generated 75,610 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity from offshore and onshore wind. This translates to an average monthly wind electricity production of approximately 6300 GWh. Notwithstanding, the UK’s electricity generation from wind power has since increased by 715% from 2009 to 2020. 

In 2022, wind power contributed 26.8% of the UK’s electricity generation. A new record was set on January 10, 2023, when wind power generation reached 21.620 GW for the first time. The share of wind power in Britain’s electricity mix increased from 21.8% in 2021 to 26.8% in 2022. 

In October 2023, wind power was the dominant source of electricity generation in the UK, accounting for 33.7% of the total electricity produced. The monthly average wind electricity production can vary depending on wind speed and weather conditions. 

Rated Capacity of Wind Farms in Each Region

The rated capacity of wind farms varies across different regions in the UK. The UK’s wind energy capacity is distributed across various regions, with most of the capacity coming from offshore wind farms. In 2022, the total installed wind power capacity in the UK amounted to 28,537 megawatts.

Here is a breakdown of the onshore and offshore wind capacity in key regions, a comparative analysis between 2015 and 2020, and the projected capacity for 2025. 

The UK government has set ambitious targets to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 as part of its commitment to the Paris Climate Accord. This is expected to create significant opportunities for players involved in the UK wind energy market. Plans are underway to increase offshore wind output from 11GW to 50GW by 2030.

The UK’s offshore wind energy capacity is around 12.7 GW across 44 wind farms with over 2,500 turbines. The country’s largest offshore wind farm, Hornsea 2, became fully operational in August 2022 and can generate enough electricity to power around 1.4 million homes. 

Historical and Recent Data Statistics: UK Wind Energy

The UK’s journey with wind energy began in earnest in 2000 with the installation of the country’s first demonstration offshore wind farm off the Northumberland coast. The UK’s journey with wind energy began in earnest in 2000 with the installation of the country’s first demonstration offshore wind farm off the Northumberland coast. 

Over the years, the UK’s wind energy capacity has grown significantly. In 2010, wind energy accounted for 2.7% of UK electricity generation. By 2022, wind power will contribute 26.8% of the UK’s electricity generation. 

This growth is a testament to the UK’s commitment to renewable energy and its efforts to combat climate change.

Industry Statistical Facts and Trends

The UK’s wind energy sector has grown remarkably with ongoing investments and technological advancements. The data shows that wind energy is crucial in the UK’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future. 

Here is a comprehensive analysis of the statistics:

1. The UK Government’s 2019 Offshore Wind Sectoral Deal included an ambition to ‘increase exports’ fivefold to £2.6 billion by 2030
2. In 2022, wind energy contributed 26.8% to the UK’s energy mix, up from 21.8% in 2021 to 26.8% in 2022. 
3. Onshore wind farms in the UK generated 35.2 TWh of electricity in 2022, marking an increase of roughly 20 per cent.
4. In 2019, wind energy turnover was nearly £6 billion.
5. Due to grid congestion, 4% of GB wind generation is wasted, equivalent to the yearly consumption of 1 million British households.
6. In 2022, the National Grid spent £215m paying wind generators to turn off, reducing the total amount generated by 6%, and a further £717m turning on gas turbines closer to the source of demand to fill the gap.
7. The country is home to the world’s largest offshore wind farm, located off the coast of Yorkshire.
8. From 2009 to 2020, electricity generation from wind power in the UK increased by a staggering 715%
9. Employment in the offshore wind sector in the UK has also increased significantly since 2015, with 7,200 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees in 2019
10. The UK’s total installed wind capacity is approximately 30GW, around 15GW each from onshore and offshore generation.
11. In 2018, the wind industry turnover in the UK was approximately £7.4 billion.
12. In 2022, the UK generated 80.3 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity and heat through wind power.
13. In 2023, the government increased the guaranteed price for offshore wind projects in its next renewables auction by 66%, from 44 pounds per MWh to 73 pounds per MWh.
14. By 2030, more projects are expected to help the UK reach its 50 GW wind capacity target.

The Economic Impact of Wind Energy

The economic impact of wind energy in the UK has been substantial. The sector has created over 30,000 jobs and attracted more than £45 billion in investment. Furthermore, wind energy has helped to drastically reduce the UK’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, saving the country an estimated £1 billion annually.

This means that the UK’s wind power industry has contributed to the country’s energy needs and brought significant economic benefits. Furthermore, the UK government auction secured a record 11 gigawatts (GW) of new renewable energy capacity that will generate electricity nine times cheaper than current gas prices. 

Let’s look at a complete comprehensive analysis of the economic impact of UK wind energy.

The industry has significantly contributed to the UK economy, with industry revenue reaching an estimated £4.9 billion in 2023. The sector has also been a significant job creator, with the number of jobs in the renewable energy industry growing four times faster than the UK employment market. In 2022, the UK offshore wind industry supported over 31,000 jobs, a 16% increase from the previous year.

Job Creation

The renewable energy industry, particularly wind energy, has been a significant source of job creation in the UK. According to data from PwC, 2.2% of all new UK jobs have been classified as “green”. The number of green jobs advertised almost tripled in the last year, equating to 336,000 roles. Scotland, which dominates the UK’s onshore and offshore wind market, has the highest proportion of green jobs, at 3.3%, up from 1.7% last year.

Economic Growth

The wind energy sector has also contributed to economic growth in the UK. The UK wind energy market is expected to register a CAGR of more than 6% during the forecast period 2022-2027. The UK Government’s 2019 Offshore Wind Sectoral Deal included an ambition to ‘increase exports fivefold to £2.6 billion by 2030’.

Investment and Revenue

The wind energy sector has attracted significant investment, contributing to the overall revenue of the UK energy industry. Industry revenue has declined at a CAGR of 9.6% over the past five years to reach an estimated £4.9 billion in 2023. The sector has also seen a significant export increase, with the UK government’s 2019 Offshore Wind Sectoral Deal aiming to increase exports fivefold to £2.6 billion by 2030. 

The UK wind energy market is expected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 6% during the forecast period 2022-2027. As of 2023, the UK has approximately 28GW total installed wind capacity, of which around 14GW is offshore generation. The UK generated 80.3 terawatt-hours of electricity and heat through wind power in 2022. 

The UK dominates the offshore wind market, owning a quarter of the total global portfolio. The UK government has set a goal to quadruple offshore wind to produce 40GW by 2030 from 2020 production levels. This would sufficiently power every UK home with offshore wind in 2030. 

Investment and Financing

The UK government is firmly committed to boosting the wind energy sector. In a recent move, Britain increased the guaranteed price offered for offshore wind projects in its next renewables auction by 66%. 

The UK, already the world’s second-largest offshore wind market after China, is seeking to ramp up its capacity to 50 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 from around 14 GW to help meet its climate targets and boost energy security. 

The UK government articulated its commitment to supporting renewable energy sectors through The Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, which was published in late 2020. This plan pledged to mobilise over £11 billion to support the green industrial revolution. 

In addition to government initiatives, private-sector investment in wind energy is also robust. For instance, Octopus Energy Generation plans to invest £15.75 billion in offshore wind by 2030, aiming to boost energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. This investment will generate 12 gigawatts (GW) of renewable electricity each year to power 10 million homes. 

The UK is home to seven of the world’s ten biggest sites, including the Hornsea One project, the world’s largest operational wind farm. There are 31 offshore wind projects slated for the next five years with a total value of £70 billion. 

Top 5 Critical Players in Wind 

Several key players have significantly contributed to the industry and dominate the UK wind energy market. Here are the top five key industry players in the UK wind energy market:

1. Ørsted: A Danish multinational power company, Orsted, is one of the UK’s leading offshore wind energy producers. The company operates several offshore wind farms and is under development in the UK.
2. Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy: A global leader in the wind power industry, Siemens Gamesa provides comprehensive solutions across the entire value chain, from design, manufacturing, and installation to maintenance of wind turbines
3. Vestas Wind Systems: Vestas is a Danish manufacturer, seller, installer, and servicer of wind turbines. It is one of the largest wind turbine companies in the world and has a substantial presence in the UK market.
4. General Electric (GE Renewable Energy): known for its technological innovation, General Electric is a significant player in the wind energy sector. The company offers a wide range of wind turbines and services, contributing to the growth of wind energy in the UK.
5. Vattenfall AB: A Swedish multinational power company, Vattenfall is one of the major players in the UK wind energy market. It operates several wind farms across the UK and is actively involved in developing new projects.

These companies have been instrumental in the growth and development of the wind energy sector in the UK, contributing to the country’s renewable energy goals and the transition towards a more sustainable energy future. 

The Future of Wind Power in the UK

The future of wind energy in the UK looks promising. With the UK’s favourable wind speeds and the continuous development of wind technologies, the country is well-positioned to increase its wind energy generation further in the coming year. 

This commitment is part of the UK’s broader strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, which aligns with the Paris Climate Accord. As of 2023, the UK possesses around 12.7 GW of connected offshore wind energy across 44 wind farms, totalling over 2,500 turbines. To show how far the country has gone, in 2021 alone, the UK installed over 2.3 GW of new installations, making up 70% of total installations in Europe that year. 

The UK wind energy market is expected to register a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of more than 6% during the forecast period 2022-2027. 

Future Projections

The UK government has set a target to deliver 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030, with 5GW expected to come from floating wind. This will result in a significant increase in the current capacity. To meet this target, the UK must build another 2,600 wind turbines costing £48 billion by 2030. The UK offshore wind industry is expected to have around 19.5 GW installed by the mid-2020s.

Achieving the strategic offshore wind capacity target of 50 GW by 2030 requires an annual increase of 4.3 GW up to and including 2030. If these targets are met, the UK will have the capacity to generate power for approximately 29.98 million homes from offshore wind.

Onshore wind is also expected to affect the UK’s energy future significantly. The government lifted restrictions on building new onshore wind farms in 2023, which is expected to accelerate the growth of onshore wind power. However, experts warn that onshore wind energy production must be scaled up rapidly for the UK to meet its climate change goals. 

Emerging Technologies in Wind Power

Emerging technologies are expected to be crucial in making wind energy more efficient. Research is being conducted globally to improve wind power technologies, especially wind turbines, to make them cheaper, more efficient, and capable of generating more electricity. Some emerging technologies include:

• Wind deflecting turbines: These divert wind that hits the turbine tower to the blades, harnessing energy that would otherwise have been lost.
• Digital Twin modelling systems enable remote configuration of wind turbines and farms for peak performance.
• 3D modelling and simulations: These technologies are used for designing and testing wind turbines.

Advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, and AI are also used to ensure wind turbines run efficiently. 

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the promising outlook, the UK wind power industry faces several challenges. One of these is the slow pace of onshore wind farm development. According to the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), it would take England almost 4,700 years to build enough onshore wind farms to meet the UK’s clean energy needs unless the government lifts an effective block on new turbines. 

This means that achieving this target will require building around another 2,600 wind turbines costing £48 billion by 2030, with 260 new wind turbines being produced annually in the run-up to 2030. 

However, the UK’s wind power industry faces several challenges. One of the main challenges is the lengthy and complicated permitting processes, which can slow down the deployment of wind power plants. The increasing adoption of alternative renewable energy sources, such as solar and hydropower, may also restrain the market growth during the forecast period. 

By overcoming these obstacles and continuing to invest in renewable energy, the UK can work towards achieving its climate goals and securing a sustainable, low-carbon future.