Wind power generation in Europe is growing at a slower pace than needed, according to WindEurope report

Europe continues to increase its wind power capacity, but its growth in 2024 was slower than necessary to achieve climate goals.

This is stated in the WindEurope report “Wind Energy in Europe: Statistics 2024 and Forecast for 2025-2030”, reviewed by the Ukrainian Wind Energy Association.

According to the document, in 2024, 16.4 GW of new wind power capacities were commissioned in Europe, what is 2 GW less than in 2023. Of these, 12.9 GW came from the EU-27 countries. At the same time, 84% of all capacities added last year are onshore wind projects.

“The European wind energy sector continues to grow, but at half the pace we need,” said Giles Dixon, CEO of WindEurope, “The market is being held back by three key issues: complex permitting procedures, slow development of grid infrastructure, and insufficient electrification”.

Countries leading in wind energy development in 2024:

• Germany – 4 GW of new capacity per year;
• United Kingdom – 1.9 GW;
• France – 1.7 GW.

At the same time, Denmark once again holds the lead in terms of the share of wind generation in the national energy mix – 56% of electricity. Ireland is in second place (33%), and Sweden is in third place (31%).

In 2024, Europe allocated a record 37 GW of new wind power capacity in public auctions, of which 29 GW were in the EU. In theory, this is great news for future projects and construction, according to a WindEurope press release.

In 2024, €33 billion was raised for new wind energy projects in Europe. These investments will enable the implementation of 19.9 GW of capacity in the coming years.

Today, the total installed capacity of wind power in Europe is 285 GW, of which 248 GW are onshore wind farms and 37 GW are offshore wind farms. In 2025-2030, Europe plans to add another 187 GW of new wind power capacity, of which 140 GW will be in the EU-27.

The total installed wind power capacity in Europe should reach 450 GW, and in the EU-27 – 351 GW by 2030. However, in order to achieve the planned 42.5% share of RES in the EU energy mix by 2030, 425 GW of wind power capacity needs to be built.