Some offshore windfarms have been recently built and several more are in the pipeline. Each consists of about 30 wind turbines approximately 5km off the coast.

There are limits to the amount of offshore windfarms that can be built. Current plans are for seas of up to 30m depth, beyond this technical solutions are very difficult and make the windfarms uneconomic, despite the significant grants already given to build them. Limits also arise from the impact on shipping, marine life, fishing and visual impact.

Offshore windfarms are expected to contribute 18% of the national target for electricity from renewable sources. Other technologies make up the balance including a contribution from onshore wind.