Europe added 15 GW of new wind energy capacity in 2024, including 13 GW from onshore and 2.3 GW from offshore projects, according to WindEurope. This falls significantly short of the 30 GW annual additions needed to meet the EU’s 2030 climate and energy goals.
Wind power currently provides 20% of Europe’s electricity. The EU aims to increase this share to 34% by 2030 and over 50% by 2050. However, challenges in permitting, grid connections, and electrification of the economy are hindering progress.
WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson emphasized the need for urgent reforms, stating that Europe must follow Germany’s example in applying streamlined permitting rules, accelerate grid connections, and electrify its economy more rapidly to meet climate objectives.
Investment in new wind projects totalled 19 GW in 2024, down from 21 GW in 2023. While onshore wind investments remained robust at €24 billion ($24.7 billion), offshore investments declined, reflecting broader issues such as rising component costs and delays in infrastructure and permitting.
Grid capacity remains a major obstacle, with over 500 GW of potential wind capacity awaiting grid connection evaluation. Additionally, electrification of the EU economy lags behind, with electricity currently accounting for only 23% of total energy consumption—a figure that must rise to 61% by 2050.
Despite challenges, corporate demand for wind energy is strong. Wind power accounted for 50% of all new power purchase agreements (PPAs) in Europe in 2024, representing 4 GW out of 12 GW of renewable PPAs.