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.
Key Insights:
In the 12 months to the end of Q4 2025, the UK approved 677 solar PV projects, a 14% year-on-year increase and the second-highest rolling 12-month total on record. Together, these projects will deliver a record 6,075 MW of capacity, 37% more than the previous peak year in 2023.
2025 was a landmark year for UK offshore wind. Eight projects were approved, unlocking a record-breaking 9,900 MW of capacity, nearly double the previous peak set in 2015 and almost seven times the 1,282 MW approved in 2024.
Onshore wind approvals rose to 56 projects. While this ranks only eighth by project count, their combined capacity of 1,734 MW is the second-highest total on record.
Number of projects granted planning permission in the last 12 months
Solar PV:
677 solar PV projects were granted planning permission, an increase of 14% compared with the previous 12 months.
Wind (onshore):
56 onshore wind projects were granted planning permission, an increase of 40% compared with the previous 12 months.
Wind (offshore):
8 offshore wind projects were granted planning permission, an increase of 100% 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 6,075 MW, an increase of 80% compared with the previous 12 months.
Wind (onshore):
The total energy capacity of onshore wind projects granted planning permission was 1,734 MW, an increase of 197% compared with the previous 12 months.
Wind (offshore):
The total energy capacity of offshore wind projects granted planning permission was 9,900 MW, an increase of 672% 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 9 MW, an increase of 50% compared with the previous 12 months.
Wind (onshore):
The average energy capacity of onshore wind projects granted planning permission was 31 MW, an increase of 107% compared with the previous 12 months.
Wind (offshore):
The average energy capacity of offshore wind projects granted planning permission was 1,238 MW, an increase of 286% compared with the previous 12 months.
Data source: DESNZ 2026 (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/renewable-energy-planning-database-monthly-extract)
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