Scientists are about to investigate a new phenomenon – how offshore windfarms block each other from generating power!
The University of Manchester boffins have secured funding to tackle the growing challenge of how wind farms affect each other’s energy output as they expand.
The research project, known as POUNDS (Prediction Of UnqualifieD losseS from offshore wind farm wakes), will run for 12 months to assess how energy production is impacted when wind farms are built closer together.
The findings will help policymakers and industry leaders optimise offshore wind energy as the UK pushes towards net zero.
With a government target of 43-50GW of offshore wind by 2030 – and potentially 100GW by 2050 – the UK’s rapid offshore wind expansion is a cornerstone of its clean energy ambitions.
But packing more turbines into limited space comes with a problem: wind farm wakes.
When large clusters of turbines operate nearby, the wind slows down behind them, reducing efficiency for those downstream.
These wakes can extend up to 65km (40miles), slashing energy production and creating disputes between wind farm operators.
Dr Pablo Ouro, who leads the project, said: “Achieving the UK’s offshore wind targets is crucial for net zero and energy security but wind farm wakes must be better understood. POUNDS will provide the data needed to predict and minimise these losses.”
Funded by the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC), the project brings together top industry players, including ORE Catapult, EDF, RWE, Arup and The Crown Estate.
Using high-resolution models, POUNDS will simulate how wind farms interact across UK waters and compare predictions against real-world data.
The research will pinpoint the best locations for future wind farms to maximise energy output and ensure the UK’s offshore wind boom delivers on its full potential.
Copyright © 2025 Energy Live News LtdELN