Friends, an important shift is underway in the UK’s energy game—the onshore wind pipeline is growing so rapidly that investors, local communities, and planners are all keeping an eye on it. This UK Onshore Wind Pipeline Report – September 2025 reveals how large the pipeline has become, where the growth is, and what the challenges are.
You might be wondering: “The pipeline is there, but how much will be operational? And in which regions are projects moving?” In this article, we’ll explain it all in simple terms—what’s the present, future expectations, and bottlenecks that could hinder it.
Let’s take a look at the stage of this pipeline and how far it will progress.
Overview Table
| Article | UK onshore wind pipeline report September 2025 |
| Released by | Renewable UK (via Energy Pulse) |
| Publication Date | September 2025 |
| Key Figures | Onshore pipeline ~ 47,058 MW (47.1 GW); operational ~15,827 MW; pipeline growth ~4,313 MW YoY |
| Beneficiaries / Stakeholders | Wind developers, investors, grid planners, policymakers, communities |
| Report Website / Source | Renewable UK / Energy Pulse — “UK Onshore Wind Pipeline Report September 2025” |
Pipeline Snapshot: Present Status
According to the report, the UK’s onshore wind pipeline, meaning operational + under construction + planning stage, will be ~ 47,058 MW by September 2025. This is 4,313 MW more than last year’s ~42,745 MW.
Operational capacity also declined slightly: from 15,566 MW to 15,827 MW; And the capacity of under-construction/consented projects has increased from 7,568 MW to 8,458 MW.
Smartest Energy gave a strong note — “pipeline increased by ~10 % over past year.”
“The pipeline for UK onshore wind projects has increased by almost 10 per cent over the past year.”
These numbers show that onshore wind is no longer just in the planning stage, but in the active scaling phase.
What is the Growth and What are the Drivers?
Policy Changes & Taskforce Strategy
Renewable UK’s report notes that England had a de facto ban on onshore wind, which has now been lifted. The Onshore Wind Taskforce Strategy was also launched in July 2025.
In the Foreword, James Robottom (Head of Onshore Wind Delivery, Renewable UK) said:
“Onshore wind continues to be at the heart of the UK’s clean energy transition… the national pipeline has expanded to more than 47 GW.”
Technology Improvements
The report mentions that turbines are becoming more powerful, taller (tip heights over 200m), and more efficient—allowing for more electricity to be generated from a single turbine.
Regional Spread
Scotland remains a strong hold, but projects in Wales are accelerating rapidly. A Northern Ireland contribution has been made, and new proposals are also progressing in England.
Future Expectations: 2030 & Beyond
According to the report, if all pipeline projects are executed:
- Onshore capacity could reach ~24 GW by 2030.
- And could expand to 33 GW+ by 2033.
But these are ambitious projections—everything will depend on planning approvals, grid upgrades, community support, etc.
And yes, it’s also worth noting—an external risk: Scotland could face a de facto ban on onshore wind after 2030, as future proposals are allowed very minimally.
“The UK’s total onshore wind pipeline has reached nearly 47.1 GW… growing by 4.3 GW from about 42.7 GW a year ago.”
Snapshot Table
| Metric/Indicator | Value/Growth | Notes/Source |
| Total UK onshore pipeline | ~ 47,058 MW (≈ 47.1 GW) | Up from ~ 42,745 MW in Sept 2024, increase of ~ 4,313 MW |
| Operational capacity | ~ 15,827 MW | Up from 15,566 MW in Sept 2024 |
| Under construction / consented projects | ~ 8,458 MW | Up from 7,568 MW in previous year |
| Year-on-year % growth | ~ 10 % increase | Pipeline increased ~10 % over last year per Smartest Energy commentary |
| Future capacity projection by 2030 | ~ 24 GW (if all proceeds) | Could exceed 33 GW by 2033 |
Challenges & Roadblocks
Planning & Policy Delays
The ban has been lifted in England, but applications for large projects are still slow. The Financial Times reports that only 14 single-turbine applications (≈9 MW) have been submitted since the ban was lifted.
Grid & Infrastructure Constraints
Without grid upgrades and connection capacity, connecting new projects may be difficult.
Regional Inconsistencies & Bans
Scotland’s future decision (post-2030) could limit wind projects, which will hurt investor sentiment.
Execution Risk
Costs, supply chain pressure, inflation—all are hurdles. If investors or developers avoid risk, some projects in the pipeline could be cancelled.
Mismatch between ambition and delivery
Setting targets is one thing, but delivering them on time is quite another. Many proposals are stuck in the grid or planning phase.
“Onshore wind projects still scarce in England despite planning reforms.”
What is the significance of this report?
This report has a huge meaning—it’s a roadmap:
- Policymakers will know where to focus support.
- Developers/investors will gain clarity on growth areas.
- Local communities will gain confidence that wind projects are feasible.
- Grid planning and supply chain stakeholders will receive forecasts for demand.
James Robottom said:
“This progress is a testament to the determination of our industry, and the growing recognition that onshore wind is one of the most cost-effective and pragmatic routes to achieving net zero.”
And the fact is that onshore wind is very cost-efficient compared to many alternatives—benefiting both investment returns and carbon reduction.
FAQs
1. What is the UK onshore wind pipeline now?
The current pipeline is ~47,058 MW (≈ 47.1 GW) — operational + under construction + planned.
2. What is the operational capacity?
Operational projects have ~15,827 MW capacity (Sept 2025).
3. How much growth has occurred in a year?
The pipeline grew by ~4,313 MW, which is ~10% growth year-on-year.
4. What could the capacity be in 2030?
If all projects proceed, it could reach ~24 GW — and even 33 GW+ by 2033.
5. Why are projects slowing in England?
Despite planning reforms, large-scale applications have come to a halt – restrictions, delays, regulatory burdens are still barriers.