United Kingdom, 16 May 2025: The UK must secure record levels of offshore wind development this year or risk missing its Clean Power 2030 (CP30) target according to Offshore Energies UK’s (OEUK) newly released Wind Insight Report 2025.

The report warns that the UK is not currently on track to deliver between 43 and 51 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 a key element of the government’s plan to decarbonise electricity and support the broader economy. Without swift and decisive action OEUK projects the country may only reach 35 GW by the end of the decade.

“AR7 needs to clear a record 8.4GW of offshore wind capacity to maintain the course toward CP30,” said Thibaut Cheret OEUK’s Wind & Renewables Manager. He added that Floating Offshore Wind (FOW) will be critical to the UK’s energy mix beyond 2030 with investment in FOW set to overtake fixed-bottom wind by 2033.

Offshore wind played a significant role in the UK’s energy mix last year contributing 17.2% of electricity generation in 2024. The sector continues to outperform onshore wind due to the larger scale of offshore turbines and more consistent wind speeds at sea.

However, the report flags several challenges including inflation rising capital costs and supply chain fragility that could derail progress if not urgently addressed.

Key recommendations include fast-tracking development approvals unlocking £15 billion annually in private investment and committing £58 billion toward essential grid infrastructure upgrades. OEUK also emphasises the need for a competitive UK energy supply chain and a balanced power system that includes gas with carbon capture and future hydrogen technologies.

With the right planning and bold policy moves OEUK says the UK can still position itself as a global leader in offshore wind while bolstering its domestic energy security.