Christoph Zipf, the spokesperson for WindEurope, has thrown down the gauntlet to EU governments, urging them to kick their implementation efforts into high gear to revitalize Europe’s wind industry. The message is clear: Europe is lagging in constructing new wind turbines, and if we don’t step it up, we risk missing our 2030 energy and climate targets. After a rocky few years, the European wind energy supply chain is finally gaining momentum, and with the European Commission’s recently unveiled Wind Power Package, which outlines 15 immediate actions to bolster the wind sector, the time for action is now.
Sure, “implementation” might sound like a snooze-fest, but for the wind industry, it’s a lifeline. The challenges are daunting—declining competitiveness, geopolitical uncertainties, and the ever-looming threat of climate change. However, wind energy stands as a beacon of hope. It can slash fossil fuel imports, create jobs, and significantly lower carbon emissions. By doubling down on wind energy, Europe can enhance its energy independence, stimulate economic growth, and take the lead in the global shift to clean energy.
The good news? We don’t need an avalanche of new EU legislation to spark a wind energy renaissance. The Wind Power Package is a solid start, and the revised EU Renewable Energy Directive has elevated the deployment of wind energy to a matter of overriding public interest. Now, it’s all about the nitty-gritty of implementation. European Commissioner-Designate for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, hit the nail on the head when he said, “implementation is central to European competitiveness.”
However, the numbers tell a troubling story. Europe managed to install just 6.4 GW of new wind farms in the first half of 2024. At this pace, we’re not even close to meeting the EU’s ambitious goal of 425 GW by 2030. The EU aims to ramp up to an average of 22 GW of new wind farms annually, especially as we approach the decade’s end. While the supply chain is investing heavily—over €10 billion in new factories and expansions—the real bottleneck lies elsewhere.
Electricity grids are emerging as the primary hurdle to expanding wind energy. The EU’s Grids Action Plan is a step in the right direction, but governments must act swiftly to implement it. With over 500 GW of potential wind energy capacity currently waiting for grid connection assessments, delays are becoming a significant roadblock. In some countries, it can take up to nine years to secure a grid connection permit. This sluggishness is unacceptable when we’re racing against the clock to combat climate change.
Permitting processes are another sticking point. Lengthy and complex procedures are stalling wind farm development. The EU’s revised Renewable Energy Directive aims to streamline these processes, but implementation has been uneven. While Germany has jumped ahead with 4.7 GW of new permits, other nations like France and Sweden are dragging their feet. The European Commission has even had to initiate infringement proceedings against several member states for not getting their acts together.
Auction design is yet another area ripe for improvement. European governments need to shift their focus from price-only criteria in auctions to include non-price considerations that reflect environmental and social goals. The Netherlands has set a positive example by integrating criteria related to biodiversity and energy system integration in their offshore wind auctions. It’s time for others to follow suit.
Finally, while progress is being made in decarbonizing the power sector, other sectors are lagging behind. The reality is that electricity currently accounts for less than 25% of all energy consumed in Europe. This needs to change. Member States must ramp up efforts to electrify transport, heating, and industry. The production of modern wind turbines heavily relies on steel, cement, and chemicals, all of which need to shift away from fossil fuels.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. The future of Europe’s wind industry, its clean technology leadership, and its ability to meet climate targets hinge on effective and timely implementation of the rules and frameworks that have been laid out. The time for action is now, and the clock is ticking.