UK Renewable Energy Approvals: Q3 2022
edenseven are following trends in the renewable energy sector closely, as decarbonising the energy sector is vital for ensuring that a sustainable shift can be achieved.
Considering the recent DEFRA quarterly update of their renewable energy planning database we have produced a consolidated summary of projects in the United Kingdom that have received planning permission. This is something that we will continue to update each quarter.
Overall, there have been some positive developments in renewable projects over the last 12 months. Some key developments are:
- Solar PV projects have increased rapidly, with the last 12 months seeing the largest number of Solar PV projects approved in any 12-month period.
- It has also been a good year for onshore wind, although at 54, the number of projects approved is lower than in the period 2010-2015.
- Only 4 offshore wind projects have been approved in the last 12 months; however, they will add more capacity than any other year, barring 2015.
- Overall, the total capacity associated with these projects is approximately 11 GW, the highest ever, barring 2015.
- Below we present some additional information about these figures.
Number of approved projects per annum
(ending Q3 each year)
Solar PV:
In the last 12 months, 539 solar PV projects were granted planning permission, an increase of 223% compared with the previous 12-month period.
Wind (onshore):
In the last 12 months, 54 onshore wind projects were granted planning permission, an increase of 4% compared with the previous 12-month period.
Wind (offshore):
In the last 12 months, 4 offshore wind projects were granted planning permission, an increase of 300% compared with the previous 12-month period.

Total electricity capacity of approved projects
(ending Q3 each year)
Solar PV:
In the last 12 months, the total electricity capacity of approved solar PV projects was 4,109 MW, an increase of 214% compared with the previous 12-month period.
Wind (onshore):
In the last 12 months, the total electricity capacity of approved onshore wind projects was 1,539 MW, an increase of 140% compared with the previous 12-month period.
Wind (offshore):
In the last 12 months, the total electricity capacity of approved offshore wind projects was 5,300 MW, an increase of 121% compared with the previous 12-month period.

Average electricity capacity of approved projects
(ending Q3 each year)
Solar PV:
In the last 12 months, the average electricity capacity of approved solar PV projects was 8 MW, remaining consistent with the previous 12-month period.
Wind (onshore):
In the last 12 months, the average electricity capacity of approved onshore wind projects was 29 MW, an increase of 142% compared with the previous 12-month period.
Wind (offshore):
In the last 12 months, the average electricity capacity of approved offshore wind projects was 1,325 MW, a decrease of 45% compared with the previous 12-month period.

If you would like to discuss how to incorporate renewable energy in your decarbonisation strategy, get in touch for a free thirty-minute consultation.
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