Power system performance of offshore wind in the UK in 2030

Abstract

At least 34 % of the UK's power must come from renewable energy sources to meet planned European Union targets in 2030. Wind power will provide the majority of this renewable electricity with an estimated 36 GW offshore and 21 GW onshore. The success of the Crown Estate's leasing rounds 1 and 2 in offshore wind has meant the UK is now one of the world leaders in offshore wind power development. Leasing round 3 will see offshore wind in the UK surpass 36 GW of installed capacity. This is a significant increase from the current installed offshore wind capacity of 3.6 GW. This research investigates the power system performance of offshore wind power in the UK in 2030.