Global floating offshore wind capacity has increased by 38% over the past year, reaching 382MW, according to a new report from RenewableUK.
The organisation’s latest EnergyPulse report shows operational capacity has risen from 277MW 12 months ago, with Norway currently leading the market with 97MW. France follows with 87MW, while the UK ranks third with 78MW.
The report also identifies 2026 as the strongest year so far for global floating wind deployment. A total of 109MW has become operational this year, exceeding the previous annual record of 108MW set in 2023.
Globally, 300 floating wind projects across 26 countries are currently at different stages of development, making a combined pipeline of 152GW.
The UK has a 28.4GW floating wind pipeline, with nearly 14GW of projects currently progressing through the offshore planning system in Scotland. A further 4.5GW has been leased in the Celtic Sea.
Tara Singh, CEO of RenewableUK, said: “This year’s report highlights the fact that the UK will remain the most significant floating offshore wind market in Europe into the next decade, and that our project pipeline is at a more advanced stage than many of our global competitors.”
The report also forecasts that global floating wind capacity could reach 1.7GW by the end of 2030, with China expected to account for around 66% and the UK 16%.
Two floating wind projects are currently operational in UK waters, which are the 48MW Kincardine project and the 30MW Hywind Scotland project.
RenewableUK expects UK floating wind capacity to reach 1GW by 2032 and up to 3GW by 2034, provided projects continue to progress through development and consenting.
