Wind Farms in the UK (2025 Map and Guide)

Are you wondering where all the wind farms in the UK are located? Wind farms are positioned as the backbone of the UK’s clean energy transition, and with good reason.

The winds sweeping across the British Isles aren’t just a feature of the landscape; they’re powering a revolution. Wind accounted for 30% of the total electricity generation in 2024, making it the largest source of power for the first year ever.

From towering offshore turbines spinning miles out at sea to quiet onshore installations dotting the countryside, wind farms helped the UK attain maximum wind records of 22,523MW in December 2024, providing 68.3% of Great Britain’s electricity.

Offshore wind farms deliver huge volumes of clean electricity to millions of homes, while onshore wind offers rapid, cost-effective generation closer to communities. Together, these technologies are slashing emissions, boosting energy security, and helping the UK meet its legally binding net-zero targets.

The rollout is still accelerating in 2025, with new sites, bigger turbines, and smarter grids transforming what’s possible. This guide gives you a front-row seat to that transformation, allowing you to explore an interactive wind farm map, learn how much power each site produces, and discover how the UK is harnessing the wind to power a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Quick Takeaways on Wind Farms in the UK:

Wind energy is now a core part of the UK’s clean power strategy
The country is investing in both onshore and offshore wind farms nationwide
Offshore wind farms are typically larger and more powerful than onshore ones
Wind power helps reduce emissions, lower energy costs, and improve energy security
The UK’s wind capacity is growing fast, with new projects planned across all regions
Use our interactive map to explore wind farms near you

What Are Wind Farms and How Do They Work?

A wind farm is a collection of wind turbines grouped together to generate electricity. These turbines harness the natural force of the wind and convert it into clean, renewable energy using a generator housed in the nacelle (the casing at the top of the turbine tower). The stronger and more consistent the wind, the more electricity a turbine can produce.

In the UK, wind farms are classified into two main types:

Onshore Wind Farms

These are built on land, typically in rural or elevated areas with strong, steady wind speeds. Onshore farms are:

Quicker to build
Less expensive to install
Easier to maintain than offshore projects

While individual turbines are smaller than their offshore counterparts, onshore wind remains vital for meeting local demand and balancing the grid.

Offshore Wind Farms

Located out at sea, offshore wind farms benefit from:

Higher and more consistent wind speeds
Larger turbine sizes, often exceeding 14 MW each
The ability to generate electricity at scale with minimal visual or noise impact onshore

Offshore sites like Hornsea One and Dogger Bank are among the world’s largest, delivering clean power to hundreds of thousands of homes every day.

Both types of wind farms feed directly into the National Grid, helping to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Wind power is now a cornerstone of the UK’s energy strategy—and it’s growing fast.

Independent advice provided by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) on the pathway towards clean power by 2030 shows that all routes will require the mass deployment of offshore and onshore wind.

The Growth of Wind Power in the UK

In just two decades, wind energy has gone from a niche concept to a national powerhouse. Today, the UK is one of the world’s leading producers of wind power, with a rapidly growing fleet of turbines both onshore and offshore.

How Much Wind Power Does the UK Generate?

As of 2025:

Wind power provided 28.5% of the UK’s total electricity generation in the first quarter of 2025 due to record-low wind speeds.
The country has over 9,200 onshore turbines on 2,656 farms and more than 2,800 offshore turbines on 44 farms.
Combined, UK wind farms have an installed capacity of over 31 gigawatts (GW) and power over 25 million homes annually.

These numbers aren’t just impressive, they’re transformative. The government has set high ambitions for the path to 2030, with expectations for capacities including:

43-50 GW of offshore wind by 2030
27-29 GW of onshore wind by 2030

Why Wind? Why Now?

Wind is the UK’s most scalable form of renewable energy. It’s:

Abundant: The UK has one of the windiest climates in Europe.
Affordable: The cost of wind energy has dropped by more than 70% since 2010.
Clean: Wind turbines produce zero carbon emissions during operation.

The UK’s success in wind power creates tens of thousands of jobs, supports local economies, and has positioned Britain as a global hub for green technology investment. Yet we’ve only just scratched the surface.

As turbines get taller, blades get smarter, and grids get more flexible, the future of wind energy in the UK is not just promising, it’s unstoppable.

Explore the Interactive Wind Farm Map (Onshore & Offshore)

Want to see exactly where the UK’s wind power comes from? The interactive wind farm map below lets you explore hundreds of onshore and offshore wind farms across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—with real project data you can click into.

What You Can See on the Map:

Precise turbine locations for both onshore and offshore sites
Installed capacity (MW) for each project
Project status: operational, under construction, consented, or in planning
Developer and owner information
Project commissioning dates
Geographic filters to explore specific regions

This map draws from the latest data from the UK Government’s Renewable Energy Planning Database (REPD), with updates made regularly as new wind farms come online or expand.

Why It’s Useful:

For homeowners & energy consumers: Find out how your area is contributing to the UK’s clean energy mix.
For researchers & journalists: Access real-time spatial data for use in reports or analysis.
For local councils & planners: Understand existing infrastructure and future potential.

Whether you’re looking for the scale of offshore giants like Hornsea Two, or smaller community onshore projects in Wales and Scotland, our map gives you a transparent, zoomable view of where wind is working hardest.

Click on any wind farm to view its operational status, operator, installed capacity, developer, and planning authority.

Source: Interactive map of the REPD data

Major Wind Farms Powering the UK

Across the UK, wind farms come in all sizes—from small community-run turbines to offshore giants producing power for over a million homes. Below are some of the largest and most important wind farms shaping the nation’s energy future.

Offshore Wind Farms

Hornsea Projects (Yorkshire Coast)

Hornsea One: 1.2 GW capacity – was the largest offshore wind farm in the world at launch.
Hornsea Two: 1.32 GW – currently holds the global record.
Hornsea Three: In development; expected capacity of 2.9 GW, powering over 2 million homes.

Located over 120 km off the Yorkshire coast, these projects are built and operated by Ørsted.

Dogger Bank Wind Farm (North Sea)

Total planned capacity: 3.6 GW across three phases (A, B, C).
When complete, it will become the largest offshore wind farm in the world.
Capable of powering up to 6 million homes annually.
The first turbines began generating power in 2023, with full completion targeted by 2026.

Jointly developed by SSE Renewables, Equinor, and Vårgrønn.

Seagreen (Scotland)

Scotland’s largest operational wind farm
Capacity: 1.1 GW
Located 27 km off the Angus coast in the North Sea

A collaboration between TotalEnergies and SSE Renewables.

Onshore Wind Farms

Whitelee Wind Farm (Scotland)

UK’s largest onshore wind farm
Capacity: 539 MW from 215 turbines
Located just outside Glasgow

Operated by ScottishPower Renewables, it also features a visitor centre and walking trails.

Clyde Wind Farm (South Lanarkshire, Scotland)

Capacity: 522 MW
One of the largest onshore sites in Europe
Built across a wide upland area with 206 turbines

Owned by SSE Renewables.

Pen y Cymoedd (Wales)

Largest onshore wind farm in England and Wales
Capacity: 228 MW
Provides enough electricity for 188,000 homes annually

Located between Neath and Aberdare in South Wales.

These flagship projects not only generate clean power, but they also demonstrate the UK’s global leadership in wind energy innovation. With new projects under construction and turbine technology improving each year, the list of major wind farms will only keep growing.

Regional Wind Power Breakdown: Where the Wind Works Hardest

Not all parts of the UK are equally windy—or equally equipped to harness that power. From the storm-lashed coasts of Scotland to the shallow waters of the North Sea, wind energy is thriving in specific regions thanks to ideal conditions, supportive infrastructure, and strong investment.

Here’s a snapshot of where wind power is leading the charge across the country:

Region	Total Capacity	Main Strengths	Notable Projects
Scotland	Over 11 GW	Strong onshore wind, rural land, floating wind development	Whitelee, Seagreen, Beatrice
England	14 GW	Leading offshore capacity, ideal shallow seabeds	Hornsea, Dogger Bank, London Array
Wales	1.5 GW	Onshore wind resources, Celtic Sea floating wind potential	Pen y Cymoedd, Gwynt y Môr
Northern Ireland	1.4 GW	High onshore wind penetration, strong local grid integration	Altahullion, Corkey, Slieve Kirk

Scotland benefits from consistent high winds, political support, and a mature grid network designed to export energy to the rest of the UK.

England leads the UK in offshore wind development, with several of the world’s largest offshore wind farms located in its waters.

The Bigger Picture

Scotland dominates onshore wind
England leads in offshore capacity and pipeline growth
Wales is a rising star with floating offshore ambitions
Northern Ireland punches above its weight with strong onshore output

Together, the four nations form a diverse and resilient wind energy network that continues to grow year after year, powering homes, industries, and a greener future.

The Benefits of Wind Energy in the UK

Wind power isn’t just a clean alternative—it’s a strategic asset in the UK’s drive for energy independence, lower emissions, and economic growth. Here’s why wind energy is such a valuable part of the mix:

1. 100% Renewable and Zero-Emission

Wind turbines generate electricity without burning fossil fuels or emitting carbon dioxide. That means:

No air pollution
No greenhouse gases
No fuel needed—just wind

Every unit of wind-generated power helps reduce the UK’s overall carbon footprint and brings the country closer to net zero by 2050.

2. Lower Long-Term Energy Costs

Once a wind farm is built, it’s cheap to run. There’s no fuel to purchase, and maintenance costs are relatively low. As a result:

Wind energy has become one of the lowest-cost sources of electricity in the UK
It reduces exposure to volatile gas and oil prices

This stability protects consumers from price shocks and supports long-term affordability.

3. Job Creation & Regional Investment

Reports show that the total workforce in the wind industry sector in 2025 is 55,071, with 39,898 working offshore, while 15,173 work onshore, and that number is expected to double by 2030. From offshore technicians in Grimsby to turbine engineers in Glasgow, wind energy:

Boosts coastal economies
Builds long-term careers
Sparks investment in local supply chains

4. Energy Security

Wind is domestic and limitless. The more of it we harness, the less we rely on imported fuels. That’s especially crucial during global energy crises or geopolitical instability.

5. Land Sharing with Agriculture

Onshore turbines require relatively little land and can coexist with farming and grazing. This allows rural communities to:

Earn lease income
Maintain food production
Contribute to clean energy without losing space

Challenges & Considerations of Wind Energy

Despite its many strengths, wind energy also comes with a few practical, technical, and public concerns. It’s important to understand these when considering wind as part of the UK’s energy solution.

1. Intermittency

Wind energy is variable—it depends on weather conditions. If the wind isn’t blowing, turbines can’t generate power. That means:

Backup systems or storage (like batteries or hydrogen) are needed
Grid balancing becomes more complex

Smart grid technologies are helping smooth out these fluctuations, but it’s still a key engineering challenge.

2. Planning and Community Resistance

Onshore wind farms often face opposition due to:

Visual impact on landscapes
Concerns about noise or wildlife disruption
Planning restrictions and long approval timelines

Improved community engagement and transparent benefit-sharing (e.g., local energy bills or community funds) are helping to address these issues.

3. High Upfront Costs

Although wind energy is cheap to operate, the initial investment is significant, especially offshore. These costs include:

Turbine manufacturing
Subsea cabling
Installation of vessels and infrastructure

However, long-term returns tend to outweigh these early expenses, particularly with government incentives and falling technology costs.

4. Environmental Impact

While wind power avoids emissions, it can still affect:

Bird and bat populations
Marine ecosystems (offshore farms)

Environmental impact assessments are required by law, and new designs (like bird-friendly blades and floating platforms) aim to reduce risks.

5. Grid Integration

The current UK grid is evolving, but not yet perfectly suited to decentralised, renewable power. Wind farms may need:

New substations or transmission lines
Battery storage to manage peaks and lulls

Continued investment in smart grid infrastructure is essential to keep pace with renewable growth.

How Are Wind Farms Planned and Approved in the UK?

Developing a wind farm in the UK—whether onshore or offshore—is a complex process involving government oversight, public consultation, and environmental regulation. It can take several years from initial concept to completion, and each stage must meet rigorous legal standards.

Here’s how the process typically unfolds:

1. Site Identification and Feasibility Studies

Before anything is built, developers must:

Identify potential locations with strong, consistent wind
Assess grid connection availability
Evaluate local conditions: geography, land use, wildlife, and nearby communities.

Feasibility studies may include wind speed measurements (using masts or LIDAR), acoustic modelling, and technical infrastructure assessments.

2. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)

For most wind farms, especially offshore or large onshore sites, an Environmental Impact Assessment is legally required. This considers:

Impact on birds, bats, marine life, and habitats
Landscape and visual considerations
Noise levels and shadow flicker
Cumulative effects of nearby energy projects

The findings are submitted as part of a planning application.

3. Community Engagement and Consultation

Public consultation is a vital part of the process. Developers must:

Host open days or exhibitions
Publish impact reports
Provide channels for local feedback

Many projects offer community benefit funds or discounted energy schemes for nearby residents to increase support and local economic return.

4. Planning Permission and Regulatory Approval

Onshore Wind:

Projects under 50 MW: handled by local planning authorities
Projects over 50 MW (in England and Wales): classified as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) and reviewed by the Planning Inspectorate under the Development Consent Order (DCO) process

Offshore Wind:

Regulated by The Crown Estate (in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland) or Crown Estate Scotland
Requires marine licensing, seabed leasing, and approval from bodies like the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) or BEIS

5. Construction and Commissioning

Once consent is granted:

Developers move into procurement, construction, and grid connection
Offshore construction can take 2–4 years and involves complex marine logistics
Onshore projects may be completed in 12–18 months, depending on terrain and turbine count

After completion, the wind farm is officially commissioned, connected to the grid, and begins generating clean power.

Planning a wind farm isn’t easy, but it’s essential. This rigorous process helps balance the UK’s renewable energy goals with environmental protection and community interest.

Summary: Future of Wind Energy in the UK

Wind energy in the UK has become a central part of the country’s clean energy strategy. The UK government has ambitious plans to expand wind energy capacity, aiming to generate one-third of the country’s electricity from wind by 2030.

This includes investments in both offshore and onshore wind projects, along with advancements in turbine technology to improve efficiency and output.

With ongoing investments and technological advancements, the future of wind energy in the UK looks promising, contributing significantly to a greener and more sustainable world.

As our interactive map shows, wind energy is transforming not just how we power the country, but where. Whether you’re a homeowner, a local planner, or simply curious about where your electricity comes from, wind energy is now a visible part of the UK landscape—and its future.

Frequently Asked Questions: Wind Farms in the UK

What is the Difference Between Onshore and Offshore Wind Farms?

Onshore wind farms are located on land, often in rural or elevated areas. They are quicker to build and easier to maintain.
Offshore wind farms are located out at sea, where wind speeds are generally stronger and more consistent, allowing for larger turbines and greater energy output.

How Do Wind Turbines Generate Electricity?

Wind turns the turbine blades, which spin a generator housed inside the turbine. This movement converts wind energy into electricity, which is then fed into the National Grid.

Are Wind Farms Noisy or Disruptive?

Onshore turbines can produce a low-level hum when nearby, but most are located far from residential areas. Offshore turbines are far from shore and do not produce any audible noise on land. Both types are subject to strict noise and environmental impact assessments during planning.

Can I See Wind Farms Near Me On A Map?

Yes! Our interactive wind farm map shows both onshore and offshore wind farms across the UK. You can click on each project to view its location, status, and capacity.

Who Approves Wind Farms in the UK?

Planning decisions depend on the project’s size and location.

Smaller onshore projects are approved by local authorities.
Larger onshore and all offshore projects go through national planning processes involving bodies like the Planning Inspectorate or The Crown Estate.

Do Wind Farms Affect Wildlife?

Wind farm developers must conduct environmental assessments before building. These assess risks to birds, marine life, and habitats. Modern turbine designs and siting strategies aim to minimise any impact.

How Long Does It Take To Build A Wind Farm?

Onshore wind farms usually take 1–2 years to develop once approved.
Offshore wind farms take longer—typically 3–5 years—due to their scale and complexity.

How Long Do Wind Turbines Last?

Most turbines have a design life of around 20–25 years. After that, they can be upgraded, replaced, or repowered with newer technology.

Sources and References

National Energy System Operator – Britain’s Electricity Explained: 2024 Review

National Energy System Operator – Clean Power 2030

Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) – Energy Trends

Renewable UK – UK wind energy database

UK Government – Clean Power 2030 Action Plan: A new era of clean electricity

Renewable UK – Wind Industry Skills Intelligence Report

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero – Renewable Energy Planning Database: quarterly extract

Dogger Bank Wind Farm – Building the world’s largest offshore wind farm

Scottish Government – Update on Scotland’s renewables and wind power potential

Scottish Renewables – Statistics