According to WindEurope's 2024 Statistics, the European Union added 13 GW of new wind energy capacity in 2024, while the wider European region installed a total of 16.4 GW. Onshore wind accounted for 84% of the new capacity. Germany led with over 4 GW of new installations, followed by the UK, France, Finland, Türkiye, Spain, and Sweden, each adding more than 1 GW.
Wind energy contributed 20% of Europe’s electricity consumption. In Denmark, wind supplied 56% of electricity, while eight other countries, including Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands, generated at least a quarter of their electricity from wind.
Final investment decisions were made for €32 billion in new wind farms, which will add 20 GW of capacity in the coming years. A record 37 GW of new wind capacity was awarded in government auctions across Europe, including 29 GW within the EU. While this indicates a strong future pipeline, delays could occur unless governments accelerate permitting processes and grid expansion.
The EU has introduced improved permitting rules, but most countries have yet to fully implement them. Germany has significantly increased permitting, approving seven times more onshore wind capacity in 2024 compared to five years ago. Other governments are urged to follow this approach.
Grid expansion remains a bottleneck, with hundreds of gigawatts of new wind projects awaiting grid connection permits. Some countries are now prioritising mature or strategic projects within grid connection queues. All governments are encouraged to adopt similar measures, improve grid planning, make anticipatory investments, and unlock private finance to support future wind energy development.
