edenseven are following trends in the renewable energy sector closely, as decarbonising the energy sector is vital for ensuring a sustainable future and achieving Net Zero.
Considering the recent DESNZ quarterly update of the renewable energy planning database, we have produced a consolidated summary of projects in the United Kingdom that have received planning permission. We will continue to release updates each quarter.
INSIGHT
Over the past 12 months, the UK approved 690 solar PV projects, 19% lower than the previous 12-month period. Despite the decline in project numbers, the total approved energy capacity rose by 16%, reaching the highest level for solar PV granted planning permission in any 12-month period over the last 16 years.
Onshore wind approvals increased, with 46 projects granted permission, up by 28% year-on-year. However, the total energy capacity from these projects fell by 33%, and the average capacity per project dropped by 47%, reflecting a shift toward smaller-scale onshore developments in the last 12-months.
Offshore wind saw a 67% increase in project approvals, with five projects granted permission. Yet, total energy capacity fell by 61%, and the average capacity per project declined by 77%, marking a significant reduction in project scale.
In total, the combined approved energy capacity from solar PV, onshore wind, and offshore wind over the last 12 months reached 6,745 MW, ranking fourth-highest across the past 16 years.
Number of projects granted planning permission in the last 12 months
Solar PV:
690 solar PV projects were granted planning permission, a decrease of 19% compared with the previous 12 months.
Wind (onshore):
46 onshore wind projects were granted planning permission, an increase of 28% compared with the previous 12 months.
Wind (offshore):
5 offshore wind projects were granted planning permission, an increase of 67% compared with the previous 12 months.
Total energy capacity of projects granted planning permission in the last 12 months
Solar PV:
The total energy capacity of solar PV projects granted planning permission was 4,595 MW, an increase of 16% compared with the previous 12 months.
Wind (onshore):
The total energy capacity of onshore wind projects granted planning permission was 868 MW, a decrease of 33% compared with the previous 12 months.
Wind (offshore):
The total energy capacity of offshore wind projects granted planning permission was 1,282 MW, a decrease of 61% compared with the previous 12 months.
Average energy capacity of projects granted planning permission in the last 12 months
Solar PV:
The average energy capacity of solar PV projects granted planning permission was 7 MW, an increase of 40% compared with the previous 12 months.
Wind (onshore):
The average energy capacity of onshore wind projects granted planning permission was 19 MW, a decrease of 47% compared with the previous 12 months.
Wind (offshore):
The average energy capacity of offshore wind projects granted planning permission was 256 MW, a decrease of 77% compared with the previous 12 months.
Data source: DESNZ 2025 (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/renewable-energy-planning-database-monthly-extract)
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