The UK Is Doubling Down on Wind Energy

Felicity Bradstock, a freelance writer with expertise in Energy and Finance and a Master’s in International Development from the University of Birmingham, UK, reported on the UK’s plans to expand its wind energy capacity, particularly offshore, through the Rampion 2 project. This project is set to add 1.2 GW of capacity, enough to power approximately 1 million UK households. The UK government aims to quadruple its offshore wind capacity by 2030 as part of its efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.

The UK has been a global leader in wind energy, rapidly increasing both onshore and offshore capacity in the past decade. Under the new Labour government, the country aims to further grow its wind power sector with the significant expansion of the Rampion offshore wind farm. This expansion is crucial for the UK to progress towards its net-zero carbon goals.

In 2023, 46.4% of the UK’s electricity came from renewable sources, with wind energy contributing 61%. The UK has 39.7% of its wind energy generated onshore and 60.3% offshore. The country’s wind energy capacity has grown substantially, reaching 30GW in 2024, with 11,906 turbines in operation. The UK’s offshore wind industry employs around 32,000 people, a number expected to rise to over 120,000 by 2030.

The approval of the Rampion 2 project, an offshore wind farm capable of powering around 1 million UK homes, is a significant step towards achieving the country’s clean energy goals. The project, scheduled to start construction in 2026, is expected to create 4,000 jobs. The wind farm is being developed by RWE, a Macquarie-led consortium, and Enbridge, with plans to be operational by the late 2020s.

The UK government, under the Labour leadership, is committed to expanding green energy sources, aiming to double onshore wind, triple solar power, and quadruple offshore wind capacity by 2030. The country also plans to reduce natural gas contribution to electricity generation to 5% by the end of the decade. Investments in green energy projects are on the rise, attracting significant private financing.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasized the importance of transitioning to clean power to enhance energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Wind energy production in the UK has been increasing, setting records and contributing significantly to the country’s electricity generation. However, there is a need for more investment in battery storage technology to ensure reliable energy supply during low-wind periods.

The approval of the Rampion 2 project aligns with the UK’s climate goals, marking progress towards decarbonizing the transmission network. This initiative, along with other clean energy projects, is part of the Labour government’s strategy to drive a green transition and attract private investments in the sector.