UK Renewable Energy Approvals: Q2 2025
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:
Solar photovoltaic (PV) is scaling rapidly, driven by falling costs and strong investor appetite. In the last 12-months (ending Q2), 662 projects were approved, the third-highest 12-month period ending Q2 in 16 years, representing a record 4,831 MW of new capacity, with an average project size of 7 MW.
Offshore wind, meanwhile, continues to demonstrate a mature, large-scale market with fewer but much larger developments. Six projects were approved in the last 12-months (ending Q2), also the joint third-highest year on record, delivering a record 6,803 MW of capacity and an average project size of 1,134 MW.
In contrast, onshore wind growth remains constrained by planning and policy barriers, with 43 projects approved in the last 12 months (ending Q2), ranking 12th out of 16 years, and a relatively modest 915 MW of capacity, averaging 21 MW per project.
Overall, total capacity for approved wind and solar projects in the last 12-months (ending Q2) reached a record 12,549 MW. While project numbers remain steady, the average scale of developments is increasing sharply, signaling that the UK’s renewable expansion is shifting from volume to scale, led by large solar and offshore wind projects.
Number of projects granted planning permission in the last 12 months
Solar PV:
662 solar PV projects were granted planning permission, a decrease of 17% compared with the previous 12 months.
Wind (onshore):
43 onshore wind projects were granted planning permission, a decrease of 2% compared with the previous 12 months.
Wind (offshore):
6 offshore wind projects were granted planning permission, an increase of 20% 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 4,831 MW, an increase of 32% compared with the previous 12 months.
Wind (onshore):
The total energy capacity of onshore wind projects granted planning permission was 915 MW, a decrease of 29% compared with the previous 12 months.
Wind (offshore):
The total energy capacity of offshore wind projects granted planning permission was 6,803 MW, an increase of 53% 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 28% compared with the previous 12 months.
Wind (offshore):
The average energy capacity of offshore wind projects granted planning permission was 1,134 MW, an increase of 27% 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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About the Author
Doug is a specialist in carbon reporting and research, with extensive experience in supply chain emissions, regulatory compliance, renewable energy developments and sustainability performance improvement. He holds a Master’s degree in Green Economy, which underpins his ability to interpret complex environmental data and advise on practical, impactful strategies.
At edenseven, Doug leads the production of the firm’s monthly Britain’s Electricity Generation report, delivering clear, data-driven insights into the UK’s changing energy landscape. His work supports clients in understanding market trends, emissions performance, and opportunities for cleaner energy adoption.
Doug is a Registered Environmental Practitioner (REnvP) and an ISEP Practitioner, reflecting his professional standing and commitment to advancing sustainable practices across sectors.







