Offshore

There are currently 16 offshore wind farms under construction in Europe, which upon completion will bring online 4.9GW of power capacity.

The report found that 224 turbines, with a total capacity of 781MW, were connected to the grid in the first half of 2014, 25% less than during the same period in 2013, where new links accounted for 1,045MW.

About 310 turbines are awaiting grid connection, which when linked will add a further 1,200MW of offshore wind capacity.

Total installed offshore wind capacity in Europe now stands at 7343MW across 73 wind farms in 11 countries.

EWEA deputy chief executive officer Justin Wilkes despite offshore wind power installations being lower than in the first six months of 2013, it remains the fastest growing power sector in Europe.

"To ensure healthy growth in the latter part of the decade, and to ensure offshore wind energy plays its role in meeting the EU’s competitiveness, security, renewable and climate objectives, the industry must be given longer-term visibility," Wilkes added.

"An ambitious deal on the 2030 Climate and Energy package by the EU’s Heads of State in October would send the right signal, making their decision particularly important for the offshore wind sector."


Image: Total installed offshore wind capacity in Europe now stands at 7343MW. Photo: Courtesy of xedos4/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.