UK Approves Wind Farm Expansion to Add 4.7 GW Capacity

The UK’s Crown Estate has approved plans for higher-density offshore wind farms on existing seabed leases, enabling seven projects—including RWE’s Rampion 2 and SSE/Equinor’s Dogger Bank D—to add 4.7 gigawatts of capacity.

This move supports the UK’s goal to expand wind capacity from 15 GW to 50 GW and aligns with Energy Secretary Ed Miliband’s 2030 clean power ambitions. The decision comes as the country faces setbacks, such as Orsted canceling a major North Sea wind project.

All seven projects already have grid connections, allowing faster deployment. Though environmental impacts are expected, compensation measures will be implemented to protect marine ecosystems.