Wind power in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is the best location for wind power in Europe and one of the best in the world.^[2][3] The combination of long coastline, shallow water and strong winds make offshore wind unusually effective.^[4]

By 2023, the UK had over 11 thousand wind turbines with a total installed capacity of 30 gigawatts (GW): 15 GW onshore and 15 GW offshore,^[5] the sixth largest capacity of any country.^[6] Wind power is the largest source of renewable energy in the UK, but at under 5% still far less primary energy than oil or fossil gas.^[7]: 13 However, wind power generates electricity which is far more powerful in terms of useful energy than the same amount of thermal primary energy. Wind generates more than a quarter of UK electricity, and as of May 2024 generates more than gas over a whole year.^[8]

Polling of public opinion consistently shows strong support for wind power in the UK, with nearly three-quarters of the population agreeing with its use, even for people living near onshore wind turbines.^[9]

The government has committed to a major expansion of offshore capacity to 50 GW by 2030,^[10][11] with 5GW from floating wind.^[12] One reason for this is to improve energy security.^[13]