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
Solar PV continues to account for a significant proportion of renewable energy projects in the UK, comprising 97% of UK wind and solar projects granted planning permission in the last 12-months.
Despite this, solar will contribute 50% of the total capacity of the approved projects. Offshore wind, which only made up 0.4% of approved wind and solar planning applications in the UK, will deliver 36% of the total energy capacity of such projects.
Number of projects granted planning permission in the last 12 months
Solar PV:
994 solar PV projects were granted planning permission, an increase of 84% compared with the previous 12 months.
Wind (onshore):
32 onshore wind projects were granted planning permission, a decrease of 41% compared with the previous 12 months.
Wind (offshore):
4 offshore wind projects were granted planning permission, remaining consistent 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 4,748 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 1,326 MW, a decrease of 14% compared with the previous 12 months.
Wind (offshore):
The total energy capacity of offshore wind projects granted planning permission was 3,376 MW, a decrease of 36% 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 5 MW, a decrease of 38% compared with the previous 12 months.
Wind (onshore):
The average energy capacity of onshore wind projects granted planning permission was 41 MW, an increase of 41% compared with the previous 12 months.
Wind (offshore):
The average energy capacity of offshore wind projects granted planning permission was 844 MW, a decrease of 36% compared with the previous 12 months.
Data source: DESNZ 2023 (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/renewable-energy-planning-database-monthly-extract)
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