UK Hits 30GW Milestone

The UK has reached a significant milestone in wind energy, with the nation’s total wind power capacity now surpassing 30 gigawatts (GW), enough to power over 26 million homes. This achievement follows the launch of SSE Renewables’ Viking Wind Farm on the Shetland Islands, which added 443 megawatts (MW) to the grid.

According to RenewableUK’s EnergyPulse, the combined capacity of onshore and offshore wind power now stands at 30,299 MW, reducing carbon emissions by more than 35 million tonnes annually. Wind energy has become the UK’s largest renewable energy source, contributing 28.1% of the country’s electricity in 2023.

The rapid growth, doubling from 15GW in 2017 to 30GW today, highlights the sector’s expansion. The Viking Wind Farm, featuring 103 turbines, is set to become the UK’s most productive onshore wind farm, generating 1.8 terawatt hours (TWh) of renewable electricity annually. The project, developed over 15 years, represents a £1.2 billion private investment.

Ana Musat, Executive Director of Policy and Engagement at RenewableUK, noted that doubling the wind capacity in just seven years is a remarkable achievement, cementing wind energy as a cornerstone of the UK’s future clean energy system. Stephen Wheeler, Managing Director of SSE Renewables, expressed excitement that the Viking Wind Farm contributed to this milestone, marking a major moment for the industry.