Europe added 2 GW of new offshore wind capacity to the grid in 2025, marking the lowest installation figure since 2016, according to statistics from WindEurope. The organization anticipates a rebound in 2026.
Offshore wind contributed 10% of the 19.1 GW total wind installations last year, with 17.2 GW onshore. Only the UK (1,049 MW), Germany (503 MW), and France (408 MW) added new offshore turbines.
Offshore installations decreased from 2.6 GW in 2024, primarily due to construction delays, as detailed in WindEurope’s report.
Europe now has a total of 304 GW of installed wind capacity, with 39 GW offshore. The EU accounts for 246 GW, including 21.5 GW offshore.
Wind energy supplied 19% of the EU’s electricity in 2025, with offshore wind having an average capacity factor of 34%, compared to 21% for onshore.
Offshore investment rebounded with EUR 22.5 billion committed to new farms last year, financing 5.4 GW of capacity. Poland led with significant investments, alongside projects in Germany and the UK.
In 2025, 5.8 GW of offshore wind capacity was awarded two-sided Contracts for Difference (CfDs): 3.4 GW in Poland, 1.5 GW in France, and 900 MW in Ireland, with an additional 1 GW in Germany under a negative bidding model.
However, several planned auctions failed, including 3 GW in Denmark, 2.5 GW in Germany, and 1 GW in the Netherlands, which received no bids. WindEurope highlights that slow grid development, permitting delays, and supply chain constraints continue to hinder offshore expansion.
WindEurope projects Europe will install 151 GW of new wind capacity between 2026 and 2030, with 77% onshore. Installations are forecast to reach 25 GW in 2026, including 6 GW offshore.
By 2030, Europe’s total wind capacity is expected to reach 439 GW, with 366 GW onshore and 73 GW offshore.
Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz