Offshore wind record for Europe in 2019

According to statistics released by WindEurope, 10 new offshore wind farms came online across five countries. The UK accounted for nearly half of the new capacity with 1.7GW. Then came Germany (1.1GW), Denmark (374MW) and Belgium (370MW). Portugal also installed 8MW of floating offshore wind.

WindEurope CEO, Giles Dickson, said: “Europe really embraced offshore wind in 2019.” However, he stressed that the current level of investment falls short: “The EU Commission says we need up to 450 GW of offshore by 2050. That means 7GW new offshore wind every year by 2030 and 18GW onwards by 2050. Last year we built a record amount, but only 3GW.”

He added: “The bigger numbers are doable and affordable. The new EU Offshore Wind Strategy in the Green Deal should map out clearly how to mobilise the investments needed for 450GW.”

Bigger and better

Offshore turbines and wind farms are getting bigger, while offshore wind costs continue to fall significantly. Europe now has 22GW of offshore wind. The UK and Germany account for three-quarters of it. Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands share nearly all of the rest.

The launch of the new Portuguese floating project – WindFloat Atlantic, funded by the EU’s NER300 programme, means Europe now has 45 MW of floating offshore wind, with more in the pipeline.

2019 also saw investment decisions in four new offshore wind farms, representing 1.4GW in capacity and €6bn in investments.

By Rebecca Jeffrey