Wind energy accounted for 20% of Europe's electricity consumption in 2024, but new wind farm installations lag far behind what is required to meet the EU’s climate goals. Europe built just 15 GW of new wind power in 2024, with 13 GW onshore and 2.3 GW offshore. The EU needs to build 30 GW annually to reach its 2030 targets, but slow permitting, grid connection delays, and limited electrification are holding back progress.
Permitting remains a major obstacle despite new EU rules aimed at streamlining the process. Many countries have yet to implement these measures. Germany's success, permitting 15 GW of onshore wind in 2024, highlights the effectiveness of timely permitting reforms. Other nations must follow suit to ensure energy security and competitiveness.
Grid bottlenecks are another key issue. Over 500 GW of wind projects await grid connection assessments, and expansion of electricity infrastructure is too slow. For instance, Germany’s Borkum Riffgrund 3 offshore wind farm will remain offline until 2026 due to grid delays.
Electrification is similarly sluggish. Only 23% of EU energy consumption is electric, far from the 61% needed by 2050. A comprehensive Electrification Action Plan is urgently required.
Despite record wind capacity awards in 2024, significant action on permitting, grid expansion, and electrification is vital to increase deployment rates.
