Calls for action from governments on Europe's wind energy

According to the latest data published by WindEurope, Europe commissioned 6.8 GW of new wind energy capacity in the first half of 2025. 5.3 GW of this occurred within the European Union (EU). However, this increase is not considered sufficient to meet the EU's 2030 energy security and climate targets.

Onshore wind power plants accounted for 89 percent of the new capacity installed across Europe, bringing the continent's total installed wind capacity to 291 GW, of which 254 GW are onshore and 37 GW are offshore.

Germany is accelerating, other countries are lagging behind

Data shows that Germany is the largest investor in wind energy in Europe. The country is expected to install 5 GW of new onshore wind by 2025, nearly tripling its production pace over the past five years. This increase is attributed to Germany's success in implementing the EU's new permitting rules. The country approved a record 15 GW of onshore wind in 2024 and another 8 GW in the first half of 2025.

In contrast, most other EU countries are unable to complete the permitting process within the 24-month period stipulated by the Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII). In some countries, permitting processes are reportedly becoming more complex and renewable energy accelerator zones are not demonstrating sufficient effectiveness.

Slow permits, grid and electrification

WindEurope reports that the main problems in Europe stem from slow permitting processes, delays in the expansion of electricity grids, stagnant electrification and inadequate tender designs.

"Wind energy is competitive, safe, and economically beneficial. Around 400,000 people work in this sector in Europe. Each new turbine contributes an average of €16 million to the European economy. However, governments are still failing to streamline permitting processes and facilitate investment," said Giles Dickson, CEO of WindEurope.

Expectations for 2025 have been lowered

Due to the slowdown in installations, expectations for 2025 were also revised. While 22.5 GW of new installations were anticipated at the beginning of the year, this figure was reduced to 19 GW, and within the EU, from 17 GW to 14.5 GW.

At current rates, the EU is expected to reach 344 GW of wind energy by 2030. However, this figure falls well short of the EU's target of 425 GW.

Dickson said, "Less new wind is bad news for Europe's economic competitiveness. European industry needs cheap electricity to compete with China and the US. Failure to meet targets jeopardizes growth in many areas, from steel and chemicals to IT and manufacturing."

Increase in investments and orders

Despite the negative outlook, investor interest in wind energy remains strong. €34 billion worth of final investment decisions (FIDs) were made for new projects in the first half of 2025. These decisions cover 14 GW of capacity expected to be commissioned in the coming years. €22 billion of the investments were allocated to offshore projects, and Poland, including three new projects, has made its largest private investment to date.

Wind turbine orders also rose during the same period. Orders totaling 11.3 GW of capacity were placed in Europe, a 19% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Of these orders, 8.8 GW were for land-based turbines and 2.5 GW for offshore turbines.