Offshore Wind Energy in the UK

Wind Potential...

Published: 07/01/2025

2- minute read

Offshore wind energy is set to be a crucial part of the UK's renewable energy strategy, offering the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions while bolstering energy security. The robust winds of the North Sea and the extensive British coastline provide an ideal setting for the development of offshore wind farms, meaning the UK can lead the way in the global transition to sustainable energy.

In this blog, Matthew Chapman, Origination Analyst takes a look at this unique energy form, examining its benefits, challenges, and the impact it can have on the UK's energy market. Join us as we explore how harnessing the winds of the North Sea and beyond can propel the UK towards a cleaner, greener, and more resilient energy future.

Generation & Capacity...

The UK currently has just under 14GW of offshore wind capacity, and with ambitious net zero targets and plans to decarbonise power generation, offshore wind is a target for the government with high potential. It brings an important technology to the forefront that the UK energy industry and government are looking to rapidly grow to harness the potential that wind has on the UKCS (UK continental shelf) to generate clean electricity. The Labour Party now aims to quadruple capacity by 2030 which will also include floating offshore wind to unlock deep waters and combat challenging seabed conditions. Due to the intermittent nature of wind, generation will also play a key role. Over winter months throughout the last couple of years, we have seen an average daily generation between 8 and 10 GWh/h's. In summer months where wind speeds have tended to be lower and demand has typically dropped, generation has sat between 4 and 6 GWh/h's.

What & Why...

What actually is offshore wind and why is the UK expanding capacity?

Offshore wind involves generating energy from wind turbines located at sea. These turbines are typically larger and more powerful than onshore ones, as they can take advantage of the stronger and more consistent winds found offshore. Turbines are secured on platforms that can be fixed or floating, depending on the depth of water and the seabed conditions. The electricity produced from these is then transported via underwater cables to the onshore electricity grid, where it is distributed to homes and businesses.

The UK is particularly well-suited for offshore wind developments due to its favourable geography with long coastlines, shallow waters, and 115,000 km² of potential. Additionally, the country has a high dependency on fossil fuels for electricity generation and with climate goals such as the Paris Agreement and further targets such as net zero power generation, large scale offshore wind projects could help cut reliance on traditional power generation methods.

Benefits of Offshore Wind...

Offshore wind energy offers several benefits:

Environmental: Offshore wind farms generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gasses, thus play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. This reduction in emissions helps to protect ecosystems and biodiversity, contributing to efforts in combatting global warming.
Visual: Offshore wind farms are located far from shore, which minimises visual impact and addresses common aesthetic concerns associated with onshore wind farms. This distance from populated areas reduces noise pollution, making this a more community-friendly option.
Logistics: Transportation of turbines and equipment is easier at sea allowing for efficient assembly and maintenance. The large areas available offshore enable the installation of much larger wind farms with higher energy outputs.
Conditions: Wind speeds are generally stronger and more consistent offshore at around 10 m/s compared to 4.5 m/s onshore, leading to more efficient energy production.
Economics: The expansion of offshore wind farms supports the economic growth by creating jobs in the renewable sector. It also attracts investment and fosters technological advancements, contributing to the UKs economic resilience.

Potential challenges...

While the benefits of offshore wind are clear and well publicised, there are also some challenges and drawbacks worth noting:

Maintenance and repairs: This can be more challenging and costly compared to on shore wind farms. Due to their location, repairs can be difficult with workers having to battle higher wind speeds, strong seas, and accessibility challenges.
Costs: The initial costs of setting up offshore wind farms are higher as a result of requiring more complex infrastructure to support them and thus the market needs to support investment for offshore wind, often involving large-scale utilities operating the sites.
Intermittency: Power generation can be intermittent, depending on wind conditions and so this variability requires a robust and flexible energy system to balance supply and demand effectively.
Communities: There is typically less involvement in offshore wind projects compares to onshore ones. Engaging local communities and ensuring their support can be more challenging but is crucial for the long-term success of offshore wind initiatives.

Impact on Market Dynamics...

Offshore wind energy affects market dynamics in several ways:

Forecasts: Wind power forecasts and wind speeds play an important role in predicting energy generation levels. Accurate forecasts can inform participants whether or not flexible generation will need to come online to meet demand. Periods of lower offshore wind generation could lead to higher prices if demand is high, as generation from non-renewable sources that are more expensive will have to come online to meet demand.
Generation: Both over-generation and under-generation of power can impact the market. Similar to other electricity generation, offshore wind can have outages that are either planned or unplanned. Planned outages will likely already be priced into future contracts that they affect. If these outages are extended, they may lead to some increases in market prices. Although less frequent than other technologies there can also be unplanned outages for offshore wind assets. They tend to be for only a couple of hours so may not have large effects on the market.
Policy: Government policies also influence market dynamics. Subsidies for renewable energy, carbon pricing and regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, can all effect the cost structure and competitiveness of offshore wind projects, thereby influencing overall market prices.

Final Thoughts...

While offshore wind energy presents some challenges, its benefits make it a promising solution for the UK's growing energy needs. By leveraging its geographical advantages and investing in offshore wind, the UK can reduce carbon emissions, lower energy costs, increase energy independence, and drive innovation and economic growth. As the UK continues to deploy offshore wind capacity, it will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the UK energy market and contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy system.

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More on our Offshore Wind Projects...

TotalEnergies have several offshore wind projects from floating turbines in the North Sea with RWE, to the OranjeWind farm in the Netherlands. For more information on all our current projects, please search 'offshore wind' on our website!