Bumper year for UK offshore wind construction in 2016

Offshore wind construction in the UK hit a record high last year, according to new figures. The total construction value for projects reached £4.1 billion – up from £2.45 billion […]

Offshore wind construction in the UK hit a record high last year, according to new figures.

The total construction value for projects reached £4.1 billion – up from £2.45 billion in 2015.

Offshore wind farms alone accounted for 42% of UK construction contract values in the utilities and power sector and 21% of the entire infrastructure sector.

Barbour ABI states three major projects that made a significant difference last year were the Beatrice, Galloper and East Anglia One offshore wind farm projects, together worth a combined £3 billion.

Once built they are expected to produce 1,600MWh of renewable energy.

The trend is expected to continue, with the pipeline for future offshore wind developments “looking healthy”, states Barbour ABI.

Michael Dall, Lead Economist at Barbour ABI adds: “We have also seen a large uptake in the planning pipeline for future offshore wind farms with £23.2 billion worth of construction planned over the coming years, suggesting this burgeoning sector will continue to expand in 2017 and beyond.”

The UK offshore wind industry has also seen cost reductions of 32%.

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