Global offshore wind capacity grew nearly 10% in first half of 2019

The positive development of offshore wind energy is continuing worldwide, according to the trend and market research institute, wind:research.

In 2010, the global offshore wind capacity added up to 3 GW. It has since increased to 23.3 GW in 2018 and is expected to rise by an additional 27% in 2019, in comparison to the previous year.

A review of the planned offshore wind energy projects indicates that this positive market development trend will likely continue in the near future. As of the first half of 2019, officially planned projects will lead to an overall increase in the worldwide capacity of approximately 46 GW till 2030 — a growth of more than 180%.

Although a majority of these projects will be located in Europe (with almost 36 GW), North America is making the list with an expected 6 GW. Asia will account for another 4 GW. The U.S. has a vast offshore wind energy resource with the potential of more than 2,000 GW, or nearly double the nation’s current electricity use, finds the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).

The UK is aiming to increase its offshore wind capacity by more than 30 GW by 2030, which amounts to a tripling of its current capacity. Germany has a target of 15 GW, the Netherlands are planning for 11.5 GW, and France expects 10.4 GW.

In Asia, the offshore wind capacity summed up to almost 5 GW in the first half of 2019 while in the countries China, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam further 3.9 GW are under construction or in planning.