Despite supply chain challenges and unfavourable economic headwinds, an annual update from RenewableUK confirms global operational offshore wind capacity has now topped 80GW, up 15% from last year. More than 60% of this growth was from just two markets: China (adding 6.9 GW) and the Netherlands (adding 1.7 GW).

China is still the global leader with a pipeline of 247GW across 437 projects, and the UK remains in second place with 96GW across 123 projects. The US is third at 79GW, Germany fourth (68GW) and Sweden fifth (55GW).

Going into 2025 Offshore wind is facing notable challenges, with Ørsted cutting its 2030 investment programme by 25%, numerous oil & gas corporations stepping back from their renewable commitments, and U.S. President Donald Trump’s fierce opposition to wind power.

However, the growth trend does appear set to continue, with the number of projects in the global offshore wind pipeline increasing from 1,461 to 1,555 over the last twelve months, and the number of countries involved in the sector is up from 41 to 44 as new markets continue to emerge, with the first offshore wind projects in Indonesia, Chile, and Malta confirmed in 2024.​