According to WindEurope, an all-high record level of offshore wind capacities came onstream in 2017, with more than 3.1 GW (3,148 MW) of net capacity additions. This is twice as much as in 2016 and raises European offshore wind capacity by 25% to over 15.5 GW.
Most of the new offshore capacities were installed in the United Kingdom (+1,679 MW) and in Germany (+1,247 MW), with the rest installed in Belgium (+165 MW), Finland (+60 MW) and France (+2 MW). Overall, 14 projects were completed, including the first floating offshore wind park (30 MW Hywind park in Scotland). A further 11 projects are under construction in Germany and the United Kingdom, totalling 2.9 GW. Record installation rates are still expected in 2019 and 2020, enabling Europe to reach the target of 25 GW of grid-connected offshore wind capacities.
Offshore wind investment levels are significantly increasing, from €5bn in 2012 to €18.2bn in 2016. However, the amount of final investment decisions (FIDs) decreased for the first time since 2012, reaching €7.5bn in 2017 (-60% on 2016), which means annual installation rates are expected to decrease starting from 2020 onwards. Investments are expected to rise to €9bn in 2018.