- WindEurope warns that EU wind power capacity additions 2024 fell far short of the 30 GW needed to meet 2030 energy goals, citing permitting delays and slow electrification.
- Despite wind energy contributing 20% to the EU’s electricity, challenges like low wind periods and reliance on coal highlight the need for urgent action to secure energy transition targets.
WindEurope has raised concerns that new wind power capacity additions in the European Union (EU) last year fell significantly short of the planned figures needed to meet energy transition targets. According to the industry association, only 13 gigawatts (GW) of new wind capacity were added in 2024, compared to the 30 GW required to meet the EU’s 2030 energy goals.
WindEurope’s CEO, Giles Dickson, emphasised that the current pace of wind energy development in Europe is insufficient, highlighting three key issues: inadequate application of EU permitting rules by many governments, delays in new grid connections, and the slow pace of electrifying the economy. Dickson stressed the urgency of addressing these problems, warning that Europe’s energy transition goals, including affordable and competitive energy, will be jeopardised without increased wind capacity.
Dickson pointed to Germany as a model for accelerating wind power development. The country permitted a substantial 15 GW of new onshore wind capacity last year, setting a benchmark for other EU nations to follow. He called on other governments to emulate Germany’s approach if they are committed to ensuring energy security and boosting industrial competitiveness in the face of growing energy demands.
Despite these challenges, WindEurope noted that wind energy played a significant role in the EU’s electricity supply last year, providing around 20% of the region’s electricity. However, the sector faces continued hurdles, mainly when wind power generation is low.
The issue of intermittent energy generation was highlighted by “Dunkelflaute”, or dark doldrums, a period of low wind during which the EU experienced a surge in electricity prices. In November, Germany saw its hourly power price spike to $967 (900 euros) per megawatt-hour (MWh), the highest since late 2022, as wind energy generation sharply declined.
This situation underscores the reliance on backup energy sources, including coal, to maintain energy security when wind generation is insufficient. Coal imports, especially in Germany, are critical for baseload generation during these low-wind periods. German coal importers have cautioned that coal remains vital to the country’s energy security, especially when wind power production cannot meet demand.
WindEurope’s call for urgent action comes at a critical time. The EU needs to significantly accelerate wind power installations to achieve its long-term climate and energy goals. The association has urged governments across Europe to streamline permitting processes, invest in grid infrastructure, and expedite the electrification of economies to ensure the transition to renewable energy is not derailed.