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
In 2024, the UK approved 592 solar PV projects, the third-highest of any year in the last 15 years. However, the energy capacity expected to be delivered by these projects is 24% lower than in 2023.
2024 ranked 11th out of the last 15 years for the total number of onshore wind projects granted planning permission. These projects will deliver the lowest energy capacity for onshore wind approved for any year in the last 15 years, and is down 59% year-on-year. Energy capacity from offshore wind projects granted planning permission in 2024 saw a 62% drop compared to 2023, despite the same number of projects being approved as the prior year.
Overall, the total approved renewable energy capacity from wind and solar projects dropped by 43% compared to 2023, with offshore wind seeing the steepest decline. However, the average capacity per solar PV project increased by 50%, while onshore and offshore wind saw reductions of 63% and 62%, respectively.
These findings suggest that we are not implementing wind and solar renewable energy projects quickly enough in the UK to achieve a decarbonised energy network by 2030.
Solar PV:
592 solar PV projects were granted planning permission, a decrease of 41% compared with the previous 12 months.
Wind (onshore):
40 onshore wind projects were granted planning permission, an increase of 14% compared with the previous 12 months.
Wind (offshore):
4 offshore wind projects were granted planning permission, remaining consistent with the previous 12 months.
Solar PV:
The total energy capacity of solar PV projects granted planning permission was 3,371 MW, a decrease of 24% compared with the previous 12 months.
Wind (onshore):
The total energy capacity of onshore wind projects granted planning permission was 584 MW, a decrease of 59% 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 62% compared with the previous 12 months.
Solar PV:
The average energy capacity of solar PV projects granted planning permission was 6 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 15 MW, a decrease of 63% compared with the previous 12 months.
Wind (offshore):
The average energy capacity of offshore wind projects granted planning permission was 321 MW, a decrease of 62% 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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