Europe is making significant strides in increasing its wind energy capacity as part of its efforts to transition to greener energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. In the last quarter of 2023, the region produced more electricity from wind than from coal for the first time. Since then, the number of wind farms has continued to grow.
In the third quarter of 2023, Europe generated a record 193 terawatt-hours (TWh) of energy from wind turbines, surpassing coal plants, which produced 184 TWh. Wind power production was 20% higher compared to the same period in 2022, despite facing challenges that slowed sector growth.
Governments across Europe are implementing supportive climate policies and encouraging private investment in new projects. The development of larger wind turbines and relaxed regulations on the distance turbines must be from buildings have contributed to a significant increase in Europe’s wind power potential. In fact, Europe’s capacity for commercially viable wind power has doubled in the last seven years.
France and Spain could each generate enough power to meet the EU’s projected 2050 energy demand of 4,000 TWh, according to researchers at the Joint Research Centre (JRC). The new assessments show that with expanded capacity, onshore wind can play a much bigger role in decarbonising Europe’s energy system. If fully deployed, onshore wind could generate up to 19,000 TWh annually across the EU, based on current policies.
Technological improvements in wind turbine design are also boosting potential. The use of 100-meter-high turbines, instead of the previous 80-meter models, could greatly increase energy output. A spokesperson from WindEurope highlighted that larger turbines are key to generating more electricity, reducing the number of turbines needed in a wind farm by 25%, while tripling its output.
Countries like Scandinavia, Spain, France, Poland, and Romania are leading the EU in wind energy potential, while others, like Germany, have lower potential. This highlights the need for cross-border energy transmission to better share electricity across the region.
Several countries are already advancing their wind energy projects. In France, 1.4 gigawatts (GW) of new onshore wind capacity and 0.5 GW of offshore capacity were installed in 2022, bringing the country’s total wind power capacity to 20.9 GW. Siemens Gamesa is expanding its La Havre factory, investing $210 million to produce advanced 14 MW offshore turbines. The French government supports this expansion with a 25% tax credit under its green industries policy.
In Germany, a recent report revealed record levels of onshore wind energy production in 2024. Over 2,400 turbines were licensed, with a combined capacity of more than 14 GW. However, concerns have been raised that the new government may slow expansion. Friedrich Merz, leader of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has voiced opposition to wind turbines, calling them “ugly” and suggesting they should eventually be removed.
In the Netherlands, wind energy production nearly doubled between September 2023 and 2024, leading to surplus energy that could be used for green hydrogen production. Wind is expected to become the Netherlands’ largest energy source by 2050, with the government supporting both onshore and offshore wind farms.
Europe’s rapid growth in wind energy reflects its commitment to a green transition, reducing reliance on oil, gas, and coal. The region holds significant potential for both onshore and offshore wind, which could further support other clean energy projects, such as green hydrogen.
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