In the race to combat climate change and achieve net-zero targets, offshore wind is proving to be one of the most promising and scalable renewable technologies. Over the past year, the world has witnessed a 14% increase in offshore wind capacity, highlighting the sector’s growing momentum.
Backed by government incentives, technological advancements, and a global push for clean energy, offshore wind is no longer a niche—it’s a central pillar of the energy transition. As new markets open and existing ones scale up, the world is truly riding a wave of offshore innovation.
Global Momentum: 14% Growth and Counting
Another 27.3 GW of offshore wind is already under construction worldwide, putting the world firmly on track to surpass the 100 GW mark by mid-2026. This momentum is not only a short-term trend—it’s a signal of lasting transformation. In fact, projections suggest that total offshore wind capacity could more than triple to 244 GW by 2030, driven by both new markets and the expansion of existing ones.
Offshore Powerhouses: The UK & China
While China’s total capacity is nearly four times larger, the UK’s per-person output is over six times higher, highlighting its success in delivering offshore wind benefits directly to its population. Together, these nations showcase two complementary models of offshore wind leadership: one driven by scale, the other by concentrated national impact, however combined, they make up 60% of the world’s offshore wind capacity.
Giants of the Sea: The World's Largest Offshore Wind Farms
Among the world’s largest offshore wind farms, the UK holds several titles. Hornsea 2, located off the Yorkshire coast, currently ranks as the largest operational offshore wind farm globally, with a capacity of 1.3 GW—enough to power over 1.4 million homes. Not far behind is Dogger Bank, a monumental UK project that will eventually become the largest offshore wind farm in the world upon completion, with an expected capacity of 3.6 GW, it will produce enough energy to power roughly 6 million homes.
These megaprojects exemplify the UK’s leadership not just in per-capita capacity, but in pioneering large-scale, complex offshore infrastructure. Globally, other major players include China’s Jiangsu Qidong and Taiwan’s Formosa projects, yet the UK’s continued investment in renewable technologies ensures it remains at the forefront of global offshore wind development.
Why 14 % Annual Growth Matters
Even a 14% yearly rise means over 11 GW of fresh offshore capacity, enough to power close to 11 million homes in a year, comes online annually. This acceleration isn’t just about installing turbines; it’s a statement of global policy alignment towards net-zero goals. As more developed and developing nations join the tool‑kit of offshore projects, the clean‑energy basin is steadily expanding — including floating-wind options in deeper waters.
What’s Next?
- Scale: With an estimated 19GW increase in lease capacity in 2025 and rich pipelines in China, the UK, the US, India, and Australia, the sector is poised for a major step-up.
- Grid & Industry: The UK, Germany, and China are aggressively investing in grid upgrades, port infrastructure, and local manufacturing to support long‑term offshore rollouts.
- Innovation: Floating wind is entering a new phase, especially in the UK and parts of Asia—projected to unlock deeper water resources in the coming years.
Turning the Tide: Offshore Wind’s Role in a Net-Zero World
Offshore wind is no longer tomorrow’s promise—it’s today’s reality. With a 14% growth rate and over 27 GW in construction, global leaders like the UK and China are proving what’s possible when investment, policy, and innovation align. The UK’s high per-capita capacity underlines its success in turning offshore wind into a national asset, while China’s massive scale shows the potential of rapid rollout on a global level. Looking ahead, the sector is poised to more than triple in size, potentially reaching up to 244 GW by 2030.
