World’s operational offshore wind capacity grows 15% in 2024

China accounted for the majority of the additions.

The global capacity of operating offshore wind farms reached 80.9 gigawatts (GW) last year, up 15% from 70.2 GW a year ago, according to trade association RenewableUK.

In its latest EnergyPulse Insights report, RenewableUK said 63% of the new capacity was in two markets, namely China that added 6.9 GW, and the Netherlands that added 1.7 GW.

RenewableUK said its expansion is expected to continue, as the number of projects in the pipeline has increased from 1,461 to 1,555 over the last twelve months. Countries involved in the sector are also up from 41 to 44, with the first offshore wind projects in Indonesia, Chile, and Malta confirmed in 2024.

The pipeline of offshore wind farms includes projects fully operational, under construction, consented, in the planning system, and in early development.

China remains the global  leader with a pipeline of 247 GW across 437 projects, followed by the UK with 96GW across 123 projects. Completing the top five markets are the US with 79 GW, Germany with 68 GW, and Sweden with 55 GW.