Global Floating Offshore Wind Capacity Surges 38% As Renewable Energy Projects Expand

Global floating offshore wind capacity has increased by 38% over the past 12 months, reaching 382 megawatts (MW) as countries accelerate investment in renewable energy infrastructure. New figures published by RenewableUK reveal that operational capacity has risen from 277MW a year earlier, reflecting continued growth in a technology capable of generating electricity in deeper offshore waters.

The organisation's latest EnergyPulse report identifies 2026 as the strongest year on record for floating offshore wind deployment, with 109MW of additional capacity becoming operational. This surpasses the previous annual record of 108MW established in 2023, highlighting the growing contribution of floating wind technology to the global renewable energy sector.

Norway currently leads the international market with 97MW of operational capacity, followed by France with 87MW and the United Kingdom with 78MW. While installed capacity remains relatively modest compared with conventional offshore wind developments, the expanding project pipeline indicates substantial ambitions for the technology over the coming decade.

Global Floating Wind Pipeline Reaches 152GW ##

RenewableUK's report identifies approximately 300 floating offshore wind projects at different stages of development across 26 countries, representing a combined potential capacity of 152 gigawatts (GW). The pipeline includes projects progressing through planning, development and consenting processes, although not all are expected to reach construction or become operational within the same timeframe.

Floating offshore wind technology allows turbines to be installed in deeper waters where conventional fixed-bottom foundations are impractical or technically challenging. Rather than being attached directly to the seabed, turbines are mounted on floating platforms secured by mooring systems, allowing developers to access wind resources further from shore.

The technology could open substantial new areas for renewable electricity generation, particularly in countries with deep coastal waters and limited shallow seabed suitable for traditional offshore wind farms. However, commercial expansion will depend on improvements in manufacturing capacity, infrastructure, financing and the development of supply chains capable of supporting large-scale deployment.

The scale of the international development pipeline demonstrates growing interest in floating offshore wind, although projects must still overcome economic and technical challenges before the proposed capacity can translate into operational electricity generation.

UK Positioned Among Leading Floating Wind Markets ##

The United Kingdom remains one of the largest potential markets for floating offshore wind, with a development pipeline totalling approximately 28.4GW. Nearly 14GW of proposed capacity is currently progressing through Scotland's offshore planning system, while a further 4.5GW has been leased in the Celtic Sea.

These developments could significantly expand Britain's floating wind sector, building on existing expertise in offshore engineering, renewable energy and marine infrastructure. Scotland's extensive coastline and offshore wind resources provide opportunities for large-scale deployment, while the Celtic Sea has emerged as another important location for future projects.

The UK currently has two operational floating offshore wind developments: the 48MW Kincardine project and the 30MW Hywind Scotland project. Together, they account for the country's existing 78MW of operational capacity and have helped demonstrate the practical application of floating turbine technology in British waters.

RenewableUK chief executive Tara Singh highlighted the UK's position within the international market, particularly the maturity of its proposed projects compared with those in other countries.

"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," Singh said.

China Expected To Dominate Global Capacity By 2030 ##

Despite the UK's substantial development pipeline, China is expected to account for the largest share of operational floating offshore wind capacity by the end of the decade. RenewableUK forecasts that worldwide capacity could reach approximately 1.7GW by 2030, with China representing around 66% of the total and the UK accounting for approximately 16%.

The projections suggest that floating offshore wind could experience significant expansion over the next four years, although global operational capacity would remain below the scale already achieved by more established renewable energy technologies.

China's anticipated leadership reflects expectations of substantial project development in its domestic offshore wind industry, while European markets are continuing to build the regulatory and commercial frameworks needed to support floating turbine deployment.

The difference between the 152GW global development pipeline and the 1.7GW forecast for operational capacity by 2030 also highlights the extended timescales associated with offshore wind projects. Developments can require years of environmental assessments, engineering, financing, construction and grid connection work before electricity generation begins.

As a result, the pace of future growth will depend not only on the number of projects announced but also on how successfully developers secure the approvals, investment and infrastructure required to bring them into operation.

UK Capacity Could Reach 3GW By 2034 ##

RenewableUK expects Britain's operational floating offshore wind capacity to increase to approximately 1GW by 2032, potentially reaching 3GW by 2034 if projects continue progressing through development and consenting.

Achieving these milestones would represent a considerable expansion from the country's existing 78MW capacity and could create opportunities for businesses involved in turbine manufacturing, floating foundations, subsea infrastructure and offshore installation.

The growth of floating wind could also support activity in established maritime and offshore energy industries, where engineering expertise and specialist infrastructure may be transferable to renewable energy projects. Ports, fabrication facilities and marine service providers could play important roles in supporting construction and maintenance as the sector develops.

However, the industry's longer-term prospects will depend on addressing challenges associated with project costs, transmission infrastructure and the availability of suitable port facilities. Floating wind developments require specialised equipment and installation methods, while the construction of larger projects will increase demand for manufacturing capacity and skilled workers.

The UK development pipeline provides a substantial foundation for future growth, but the conversion of proposed projects into operational wind farms remains dependent on commercial viability and the successful completion of planning processes.

Floating Wind Expansion Supports Renewable Energy Transition ##

The continued development of floating offshore wind technology could contribute to efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and expand renewable electricity generation, particularly in regions where conventional offshore wind installations face geographical limitations.

By enabling turbines to operate in deeper waters, floating platforms offer the potential to access additional wind resources and increase the geographical range of offshore renewable energy production. These developments could complement existing fixed-bottom offshore wind farms while supporting wider efforts to decarbonise electricity systems.

Nevertheless, floating offshore wind remains an emerging industry, and its growth will require continued technological development, investment and cooperation between governments, energy companies and infrastructure providers.

RenewableUK's latest figures demonstrate that the sector is expanding, with 2026 establishing a new record for annual operational capacity additions. The considerable number of projects under development suggests further growth opportunities, although the timing and scale of future deployment will depend on how effectively countries address the financial, regulatory and technical requirements of bringing floating wind farms into operation.