The UK needs to deliver at least 5 gigawatts (GW) of new offshore wind every year if it is to meet the government’s clean power goals, according to a new report published today by Offshore Energies UK (OEUK).
OEUK’s 2026 Wind Insight warns that while offshore wind remains one of the UK’s biggest success stories, progress is starting to slow at a critical moment. Without faster decision-making and delivery, the UK risks falling behind its own targets.
The report highlights three required actions that matter most:
First, OEUK says the Government should aim to award up to 7GW of offshore wind in the next renewables auction (AR8). This would allow the UK to meet the minimum need of 5GW a year while making sure projects remain affordable compared with electricity prices and other renewable technologies.
Second, the report warns that new wind farms will not deliver power unless the electricity grid keeps pace. OEUK says all planned grid upgrades must be completed by 2028 to unlock offshore wind projects already in the pipeline.
At the current rate of progress, the UK would reach only just over 30GW of offshore wind by 2030, well short of the planned 43GW. The report calls for clearer deadlines, stronger accountability for grid companies, and compensation where projects are delayed. If progress does not improve, OEUK says the Government should be ready to step in and fast-track delivery.
Finally, OEUK says offshore wind needs steady, predictable growth, not stop-start investment. It is calling for annual auctions delivering at least 5GW a year from 2026 to 2030, so that supply chains can plan ahead, costs can be kept down, and skilled jobs are retained in the UK. A clear long-term timetable would also help the UK move from building wind farms at home to exporting offshore wind expertise overseas.
Thibaut Cheret, OEUK’s Wind and Renewables Manager said:
'Offshore wind is vital for the UK’s clean energy goals, but achieving these ambitions requires building, connecting, and commissioning projects - not just setting targets. Success relies on driving down costs, awarding enough capacity, upgrading the grid promptly, and supporting industry infrastructure and supply chains that have developed through decades of oil and gas experience.
'To meet its goals, the UK must deliver about 5GW of offshore wind annually; failing to do so puts clean energy targets at risk. Offshore wind’s fast growth is possible due to established expertise in related fields including subsea engineering, marine operations and project management as well as rigorous HSE protocols. If progress slows, the UK risks falling behind globally and losing both projects and their supporting industrial base.'
OEUK has also published updated guidelines for offshore wind farm development processes. Commissioned from BVGA, these now incorporate changes that have occurred since Allocation Round 7 and the introduction of the Clean Industry Bonus (CIB). The CIB is part of the UK government’s Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, providing extra revenue to offshore wind developers who invest in sustainable supply chains.
Read OEUK’s Wind Insight in full here.
Source: OEUK
