Europe generated 20% of its electricity from wind energy in 2024, but new figures from WindEurope reveal that the continent is falling behind in the construction of wind farms needed to meet its 2030 energy targets. According to the trade group, Europe built 13 gigawatts (GW) of onshore wind and 2.3GW of offshore wind last year, significantly below the 30GW per year required to reach the target.
The European Union (EU) accounted for 11.4GW of onshore wind and 1.4GW of offshore wind. WindEurope's CEO, Giles Dickson, identified three key factors contributing to the shortfall: delays in permitting processes, grid capacity issues, and the slow pace of electrification across the economy.
“More wind means cheaper power, which means increased competitiveness,” Dickson said, emphasizing the economic benefits of accelerating wind energy development.
Despite the introduction of binding EU-wide permitting rules, many countries have yet to integrate them into national legislation. Germany has successfully applied these new rules, permitting nearly 15GW of onshore wind energy. WindEurope called on other European governments to follow Germany's lead to enhance energy security and industrial competitiveness.
The trade group highlighted the delay of projects such as the 900MW Borkum Riffgrund 3 offshore wind farm in Germany, which, despite being fully installed, is unable to connect to the grid until 2026 due to grid infrastructure issues.
In addition to grid challenges, WindEurope stressed the urgency of accelerating the electrification of the European economy. Currently, electricity makes up 23% of all energy consumed in the EU, but the group noted that this figure must rise to 61% by 2050 to meet climate and energy targets.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has tasked Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, with developing an Electrification Action Plan to address these challenges.
