Wind energy was 20 per cent of all the electricity consumed and Europe is not building enough new wind farms.

According to first WindEurope estimates, Europe built 15GW of new wind energy in 2024: 13GW onshore and 2.3 GW offshore, with the EU accounting for 13GW of this. Wind generated 20 per cent of all electricity consumed in Europe and 19 per cent in the EU. The EU wants this share to grow to 34 per cent by 2030 and more than 50 per cent by 2050.

“Europe is not building enough new wind farms. For three main reasons – most governments are not applying the good EU permitting rules – they’ve got to follow Germany’s example here; new grid connections are delayed; and Europe is not electrifying its economy quickly enough. The EU must urgently tackle all three problems. More wind means cheaper power which means increased competitiveness”, says WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson.

Similarly, WindEurope believes that the EU is not electrifying its economy fast enough, with 23 per cent of all energy consumed in the EU electric. This needs to increase to 61 per cent by 2050. Electrification rates are stalling, especially in mobility, heating and industry. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has tasked Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen to present an Electrification Action Plan, but speed is essential.

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