The UK boasts a diverse and impressive array of wind farms, both onshore and offshore. 

Here’s a UK’s Wind Farm list categorized by location:

Offshore Wind Farms:

• East Coast:
  • Hornsea One (1.2 GW) and Hornsea Two (1.32 GW) – Largest operational offshore wind farm in the world.
  • Scroby Sands (6 MW) – One of the earliest operational offshore wind farms in the UK.
  • Thanet (300 MW) – Located in the Thames Estuary.
  • London Array (876 MW) – Also in the Thames Estuary, once held the title of world’s largest offshore wind farm.
• North Sea:
  • Beatrice (588 MW) – Located off the coast of Scotland.
  • Westermost Rough (850 MW) – Also off the coast of Scotland.
  • Seagreen (1.1 GW) – Situated in the Firth of Forth, Scotland.
• Irish Sea:
  • Gwynt y Môr (525 MW) – Located off the coast of North Wales.
  • Burbo Bank (90 MW) – Near Liverpool, England.
  • West of Duddon Sands (389 MW) – Off the coast of Cumbria, England.

Onshore Wind Farms:

• Scotland:
  • Whitelee Moor (539 MW) – Largest onshore wind farm in the UK.
  • Aik Hill (302 MW) – Another major onshore wind farm in Scotland.
  • Clyde Wind Farm (522 MW) – Located in South Lanarkshire.
• England:
  • Keadby Wind Farm (68 MW) – Largest onshore wind farm in England, in North Lincolnshire.
  • Robin Rigg (315 MW) – Located in Cumbria.
  • Drax Wind Farm (66 MW) – Situated in East Riding of Yorkshire.
  • White Hill Wind Farm (33 MW) – Near Chichester, West Sussex.
• Wales:
  • Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm (35 MW) – Located in Conwy county.
  • Cefn Bren (52 MW) – In Powys county.
  • Pen y Garth (22 MW) – Near Llandrindod Wells.

This is just a small selection of the many wind farms in the UK. Scotland, with its abundance of windswept plains and gusty coastal regions, has emerged as the onshore wind champion. 

Its vast wind farms, like Whitelee Moor and Aik Hill, generate gigawatts of clean energy, powering homes and industries while supporting the country’s ambitious net-zero target.

Table of UK Wind Farm Lansdcape

UK Wind Energy Landscape: A Statistical Portrait

The UK’s wind energy landscape is a captivating tapestry of towering turbines, sweeping coastlines, and unwavering commitment to a greener future. Let’s delve into some key statistics that paint a picture of this impressive renewable energy source:

Capacity and Generation:

• Installed Capacity: As of January 2024, the UK boasts a total installed wind energy capacity of over 28.5 GW, with roughly equal contributions from onshore (14.1 GW) and offshore (14.4 GW) wind farms.
• Generation: In 2023, wind power accounted for a remarkable 26.8% of the UK’s electricity generation, contributing over 75,610 GWh of clean energy. This is enough to power approximately 8.4 trillion LED light bulbs!

Growth and Future Aspirations:

• Rapid Growth: Wind energy has witnessed remarkable growth in the UK, with electricity generation from wind increasing by a staggering 715% from 2009 to 2020.
• Ambitious Targets: The UK government has set ambitious targets for further expanding its wind energy capacity. The aim is to reach 40 GW of offshore wind by 2030, quadrupling the current capacity.

Economic Impact:

• Investment Magnet: The UK’s wind energy sector has attracted over £45 billion in investment, creating over 30,000 jobs. This contributes significantly to the nation’s economy and green job market.

Challenges and Opportunities:

• Grid Integration: Integrating large amounts of intermittent wind power into the grid presents challenges, requiring investment in energy storage and smart grid technologies.
• Public Perception: Public opinion on wind farms can be divided, with some communities welcoming the economic benefits and clean energy, while others raise concerns about visual impact and noise pollution.
• Finding Suitable Locations: Identifying suitable locations for both onshore and offshore wind farms can be tricky, balancing energy production needs with environmental and community considerations.

Here are some additional statistics to paint a more detailed picture:

• Largest operational offshore wind farm: Hornsea Two (1.32 GW)
• Largest onshore wind farm: Whitelee Moor (539 MW)
• Average load factor for onshore wind: 26.34%
• Average load factor for offshore wind: 40.58%
• Equivalent CO2 reductions from wind in 2023: 56.7 million tonnes

The UK’s wind energy landscape is characterized by rapid growth, ambitious targets, and ongoing challenges. As the country strives for a cleaner and more sustainable future, wind energy is sure to play a central role in its energy mix.

Table Statistics of the UK’s Wind Energy Lansdcape