European leaders and powerhouses in wind energy are Denmark, Germany, and the UK. As far as new installations are concerned, Germany is still leading; however, other countries are now catching up. According to data by WindEurope, last year Denmark was the highest contributor of wind power to energy consumption (55%). Ireland was second (34 percent), while the UK came in third (28 percent). Germany was not far behind the UK and was fourth (26 percent). If one were to name the European countries that use wind energy most effectively, these nations would undoubtedly top the list, alongside Spain and the Netherlands, which are also making significant strides in wind power adoption. Germany was not far behind the UK and was fourth (26 percent).
Wind to Provide EU Electricity: A Key to Climate Targets and Energy Security
Wind energy is the key to Europe’s climate targets and energy security. The European Union wants to increase it from 17% to 43% of Europe’s electricity consumption by 2030. Pawel Czyżak, senior energy and climate data analyst at the think tank Ember, told EuroNews that “Wind power is perhaps the most important technology for Europe’s decarbonization, and in many countries the cheapest and potentially largest domestic source of electricity that can replace volatile imported fossil fuels.”
“The main lesson I would draw from countries like Denmark, Germany, and the UK is that you have to have a clear and stable strategy and ambitious targets. Then you align all of the other policies and spatial planning and permitting and grid planning, etc. towards that,” said Czyżak.
Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) Falls Short
The EU aspires to expand its renewables in order to strengthen Europe’s clean energy supply chains. On March 30, 2023, a/ provisional agreement was reached by the European Parliament and the Council to increase the binding renewable energy target to at least 42.5 percent by 2030. This, however, is a huge challenge due to Europe’s Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA), which needs to be strengthened. In case NZIA isn’t beefed up, turbines will have to be manufactured outside of Europe, mostly in China.
Almost all the wind farms in Europe today use turbines that have been made in Europe. Over 250 factories around Europe that make turbines and components are facing bottlenecks in Europe’s wind supply chain. Power cables, gearboxes, and even steel towers are being bought from China.
Boosting Europe’s Green Supply Chains with NZIA
Giles Dickson, CEO of WindEurope, says, “Europe wants a green industrial policy. It wants renewables to be made in Europe. But it’s failing on the policies that will actually deliver that. The Net Zero Industry Act needs beefing up. Public money has to support the expansion of green supply chains, as it does elsewhere in the world. Otherwise, the EU Green Deal will be manufactured outside of Europe, and Europe will simply swap its dependency on Russian gas for one on Chinese clean energy equipment. Our existing green supply chains bring jobs, growth, and investment to thousands of communities. We’ve got to wake up and preserve that AND build on it. NZIA is our chance. We mustn’t blow it.”
Conclusion
Europe stands at a crucial crossroads in its renewable energy transition. While wind power remains a key pillar of the EU’s climate targets and energy security, the region must strengthen its policies to ensure long-term sustainability. Without urgent reforms to the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA), Europe risks outsourcing its wind energy supply chain, shifting dependency from Russian gas to Chinese clean energy components. By investing in domestic manufacturing and reinforcing green supply chains, the EU can secure its energy future, create jobs, and maintain its leadership in the global wind energy market.
Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed in this blog do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Certrec. This content is meant for informational purposes only.
