The wind industry has today thrown down the gauntlet, demanding bold action to bolster Europe’s energy independence and competitiveness. The Copenhagen Call to Action, unveiled at WindEurope’s annual event, is a clarion call for governments to step up and drive the wind energy sector forward. With over 15,000 attendees, the event serves as a pulsating hub for debate and decision-making, and this call to action is set to spark intense discussions.
The EU’s new Clean Industrial Deal, with its focus on electrification and renewable energy, provides a timely backdrop to this call. The wind industry is not just asking for a seat at the table; it’s demanding a leading role in shaping Europe’s industrial future. The Copenhagen Call to Action outlines three concrete steps for governments to take.
First, the industry urges governments to apply the new EU permitting rules rigorously. Streamlining permitting processes is not just about bureaucracy; it’s about getting shovels in the ground and turbines in the air. It’s about turning Europe’s wind energy ambitions into reality.
Second, the call to action demands the removal of barriers to electrification. This means providing state aid to facilitate renewable power purchase agreements. It’s a bold ask, but it’s a necessary one. Electrification is not just a buzzword; it’s a critical pathway to a sustainable future.
Finally, the industry calls for a stable pipeline of two-sided Contract for Difference auctions. These auctions, the industry argues, improve the cost of capital and provide much-needed visibility on revenues. They’re a win-win, benefiting both governments and investors.
The stakes are high. Wind currently provides 20% of Europe’s electricity, but the EU wants to see that figure rise to 35% by 2030 and over half by 2050. The European wind energy supply chain is investing over €11bn in new factories to meet these goals, but Europe isn’t building enough new wind farms to support its competitiveness and energy security objectives.
The industry is clear about the obstacles: poor permitting, slow grid build-out, bad auction design, and insufficient electrification. These are not insurmountable challenges, but they require political will and industry collaboration to overcome.
WindEurope chairman Henrik Andersen puts it bluntly: “Europe is in a moment of transition.” He’s right. This is a pivotal moment for the wind industry and for Europe. The Copenhagen Call to Action is a challenge to governments to step up, to seize the opportunity, and to drive the wind energy sector forward. It’s a call to action that demands a response. The wind industry is ready to scale up. The question is, are European governments? The coming days and weeks will be critical in shaping the future of wind energy in Europe. The Copenhagen Call to Action is a call to arms, a call to innovate, and a call to lead. It’s a call that Europe cannot afford to ignore.
