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The UK has dominated offshore wind investment in Europe in the first half of 2016, industry body WindEurope has revealed.
Since the beginning of the year final investment decisions have been made on seven projects across the continent worth roughly €14 billion (£11.8 billion). Almost €10.4 billion (£8.7 billion) has been invested in Britain – three quarters of the total.
As a result, the country’s offshore wind capacity will increase by 2.5GW. There are not expected to be any further investment decisions on UK projects over the rest of the year.
“Offshore wind has been a real success story for the UK and these latest figures are further evidence of this”, said deputy chief executive of Renewable UK Maf Smith. “We know there’s more to come as well – the UK will invest over £20bn in wind energy in the next five years. Throughout the country offshore wind is creating jobs and revitalising coastal areas”.
No new capacity has been installed in the country so far in 2016. However, construction work has taken place at four different projects – Dudgeon East, the Burbo Bank Extension, Race Bank and Rampion – where 86 turbine foundations have been installed.
Last year investors gave the go-ahead to €18 billion (£15.1 billion) of offshore wind projects in Europe. Almost half – €8.9 billion (£7.5 billion) – was spent in the UK.
In June it was revealed that Dong Energy is expected to invest £5.4 billion in offshore wind in Britain by 2019.
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