Europe took a significant stride in its pursuit of renewable energy on December 19 with the adoption of the Wind Charter. This strategic document outlines an ambitious framework aimed at doubling the current deployment rate for wind energy in all its forms. Emphasizing the historical success of wind energy in Europe, the European Union (EU) underscores the pivotal role it must play in the region’s broader renewable energy strategy.
The EU recently embraced a strategy targeting a minimum of 42.5 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, with aspirations to achieve 45 percent. To realize this objective, a substantial increase in the EU’s installed wind energy capacity is imperative. The Wind Charter, endorsed today by 26 EU Energy Ministers and over 300 companies spanning the wind energy sector, charts a path to attain 111 GW of offshore renewable energy by 2030. Notably, Hungary did not endorse the plan, citing ongoing legislative procedures.
Giles Dickson, CEO of WindEurope, an industry trade group, lauds the significance of this development, stating, “Today is a huge day for Europe’s wind energy industry. Twenty-six countries have committed to implement the actions set out in the EU’s excellent Wind Power package. The actions on permitting, finance, and auctions will help boost the expansion of wind energy and strengthen Europe’s wind industry.”
Building on initiatives from October, the Wind Charter aims to propel the industry forward. The EU has taken steps to enhance access to finance for wind energy investors, allocating €4 billion for an Innovation Fund to support investment in clean tech manufacturing. Additionally, the European Investment Bank has adjusted lending rules and introduced a €5 billion counter-guarantees scheme for wind turbine manufacturing.
While supporters acknowledge the importance of these actions, they stress that much of the responsibility falls on individual countries to meet the outlined objectives. The Wind Charter delineates specific steps, aiming to coordinate the next phase of wind energy development across Europe.
Under the charter, countries commit to ensuring a robust and predictable pipeline for wind energy projects. Collaboration will be strengthened to identify barriers, particularly in the permitting process, with a goal to potentially accelerate the process in coordination with the European Commission.
Countries are also committed to enhancing the consistency of auction designs across Europe, simplifying processes, and creating a coordinated schedule for future auctions. Member states pledge to improve long-term visibility by developing 10-year plans and long-term strategies for a 2040 outlook.
The charter encompasses efforts to support the scaling up of wind equipment manufacturing capacity in the EU. Collaboration with industry companies will ensure high-quality standards in business processes, governance, products, and services while facilitating the accelerated deployment of offshore wind projects. Additionally, the charter includes an agreement to review and identify potentially unfair trade practices in foreign wind product manufacturing, focusing on the growing competition from China.