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As Europe confronts mounting challenges to its energy security and global competitiveness, the wind industry convenes in Copenhagen with a clear message: wind power, being a domestic and cost-effective energy source, is crucial to Europe’s future. However, deployment remains too slow. The industry’s “Copenhagen Call for Action” outlines three key steps to enhance Europe’s energy independence and competitive edge.
In response to growing economic uncertainty, the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal places a strong emphasis on electrification and speeding up the deployment of renewable energy as central pillars of its industrial strategy.
Currently, wind accounts for 20% of Europe’s electricity needs. The EU aims to boost this to 35% by 2030 and exceed 50% by 2050. However, the pace of new wind energy development remains insufficient. The wind industry’s “Copenhagen Call for Action” outlines three key measures to help the EU strengthen energy independence and competitiveness.
The EU’s new Clean Industrial Deal places electrification and faster renewable energy deployment at the core of its strategy for industrial growth. Many energy-intensive industries are increasingly turning to wind as a cheaper and more reliable alternative to fossil fuels, even when grid and system costs are factored in.
To meet the growing demand, the European wind supply chain is scaling up, with over €11 billion currently being invested in new manufacturing facilities. However, barriers such as inefficient permitting processes, sluggish grid expansion, flawed auction systems, and slow electrification are holding back progress. Europe still lags in electrification, with electricity making up only 23% of energy consumption, compared to higher rates in countries like China.
To address these issues, the wind sector is urging governments to take the following actions alongside rapid implementation of the EU Clean Industrial Deal:
- Implement the new EU permitting rules – These have already had a transformative effect in Germany, where permitting rates have surged. Grid queues should also be cleared of inactive “zombie projects.”
- Facilitate electrification – Allow state aid for industrial electrification via renewable Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), not limited to onsite use. Also, eliminate non-energy taxes from electricity bills to make renewables more appealing.
- De-risk investments in wind energy – Ensure a consistent pipeline of two-sided Contracts for Difference (CfD) auctions, which provide pricing stability, reduce capital costs, and offer good returns for governments.
Henrik Andersen, Chairman of WindEurope, highlighted Europe’s need for secure, affordable, and sustainable energy to maintain global influence. He emphasized that while wind energy is driving industrial growth and energy independence, scaling up is essential. Andersen stated that WindEurope Copenhagen will be a key opportunity for governments and industry to collaborate on strengthening wind energy’s market environment.
