6.1GW of extra wind energy capacity was installed in Europe in the first half of 2017, according to figures released today by WindEurope. A total of 4.8GW of onshore wind capacity was installed in the first half of 2017, although it was heavily concentrated in Germany (2.2GW), UK (1.2GW) and France (492MW). There has also been a flurry of activity in offshore wind: 18 projects in four EU Member States (Germany, UK, Belgium and Finland), which saw a total of 1.3GW installed.
In investments, €8.3bn on new asset financing was made in the first half of the year: €5.4bn in onshore and €2.9bn in offshore. . Again, the trend for market concentration was visible, with 53% of total investments (onshore and offshore) made in Germany and no offshore investments made in the UK.
Europe is on track for a good year in wind capacity installations but growth is driven by a handful of markets. At least ten EU countries have yet to install a single MW so far this year. On onshore wind, the end of UK Renewable Obligation scheme will lead to even greater market concentration in Germany, Spain and France. On offshore, the level of finance activity is a concern. Although this won’t translate into lower installations for another few years, the industry needs clarity on volumes for the post-2020 period to maintain the current cost reduction trend, according to Pierre Tardieu, WindEurope Chief Policy Officer.
