Accelerating Offshore Wind: Innovative Permitting Solutions for a Faster, Fairer Energy Transition
Overview
Produced jointly by IRENA and GWEC, this policy report examines how countries can streamline permitting systems, strengthen governance, and speed up offshore wind development while safeguarding communities and ecosystems.
Drawing on international case studies from Europe, the United States, Australia, Latin America and beyond, the report outlines practical reforms to improve transparency, predictability, and efficiency in offshore wind permitting. It highlights the importance of marine spatial planning, robust environmental and social impact assessments, early stakeholder engagement, and the adoption of digital tools to accelerate decision-making.
With global offshore wind needing to reach 494 GW by 2030 and 2,465 GW by 2050, effective permitting processes are critical to unlocking investment and delivering clean, reliable energy at scale.
Key Findings
Offshore wind must scale dramatically to meet climate goals
Global installed offshore wind capacity must reach 494 GW by 2030 and 2,465 GW by 2050 to align with a 1.5°C pathway — a massive increase from 63 GW in 2022. Streamlined permitting is central to closing this gap.
Current permitting systems are too slow and complex
It can take up to nine years from lease award to commissioning due to administrative complexity, lengthy approvals, and fragmented responsibilities across agencies. These delays increase costs and risk outdated technology being deployed.
Clear permitting models exist but must match national contexts
Three models are used globally: centralised, decentralised, and hybrid. Each can work effectively, but success depends on political, fiscal, and cultural factors. The report provides comparative insights from countries including Denmark, the UK, the US, and the Netherlands.
Media Inquiries
Alex Bath
Communications Director
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alex.bath@gwec.net