Europe will add 260GW of wind power installed capacity

Industry association WindEurope stated in a new report on Wednesday that due to increased investment and accelerated licensing,if the EU further accelerates capacity construction,it may have the opportunity to achieve its 2030 wind power installation target.

WindEurope stated that Europe installed 18.3 GW of new wind capacity in 2023,with 16.2 GW installed in the 27 EU countries,which is a record breaking number but only half of the capacity it should build to achieve its 2030 climate and energy goals.

The association predicts that Europe will add 260 GW of wind power installed capacity from 2024 to 2030.The 27 EU countries plan to install 200 GW,with an average of 29 GW per year,which is about 4 GW lower than the 33 GW required to achieve the target of 425 GW of wind power installation by 2030.

Currently,WindEurope believes that the EU is still about 30 GW away from the target of 425 GW required to achieve the 42.5%renewable energy target.The association stated in its report,”However,the situation has improved in 2023 and the outlook is more optimistic than last year.The European wind power industry is now stronger than a year ago.Europe has turned the tide in new onshore wind farm licensing,mainly thanks to the new EU licensing rules.”

Last year,the EU released the European Wind Power Action Plan to help the EU’s struggling wind power industry return to its growth trajectory and accelerate its decarbonization goals.This plan includes fast licensing,improving the auction system throughout the EU,and providing convenience for obtaining EU financing.

WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson commented on the report reported by Reuters,saying,”Due to new EU regulations,license issuance has improved.Investment has increased.The number of auctions and constructions has reached a historic high.Governments have pledged to strengthen Europe’s wind energy industry through the Wind Power Package and Charter.”