KEY POINTS
- Europe’s wind energy expansion has overtaken coal for the first time.
- Advanced wind turbines are boosting efficiency and reducing costs.
- France, Germany, and the Netherlands are rapidly scaling up wind power.
In an effort to lessen its dependency on fossil fuels and hasten the green transition, Europe is gradually expanding its wind energy capacity. A significant milestone in the region’s attempts to use renewable energy was reached in the third quarter of 2023 when wind power surpassed coal power for the first time.
Wind energy surpasses coal as Europe boosts renewable power
During that time, wind turbines in Europe produced a record 193 terawatt-hours (TWh), which was more than the 184 TWh produced by coal plants. Despite obstacles that slowed industry growth overall, wind power production increased by 20% compared to 2022.
It is anticipated that wind energy will continue to grow as long as European governments implement policies that encourage private investment and support it. Compared to projections made seven years ago, Europe’s economically viable wind energy potential has doubled due to advancements in wind turbine technology and loosened constraints on turbine placement.
Researchers at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) estimate that just France and Spain could produce enough power to cover the 4,000 TWh energy needs of the European Union in 2050. According to the evaluation, onshore wind energy may contribute significantly more to the decarbonization of Europe’s power grid than was previously thought. Up to 19,000 TWh of power might be produced yearly throughout the EU if onshore wind is completely implemented.
According to Oilprice, advances in wind turbine technology have been crucial to the growth of the industry. Utilizing turbines that are 100 meters high rather than 80 meters has resulted in a notable improvement in energy production.
France, Germany, and the Netherlands lead wind energy growth
“A larger, more efficient turbine more than triples overall output, produces more electricity, and reduces the number of turbines required in a wind farm by 25%,” a WindEurope representative stated. The EU’s wind energy potential is highest in Scandinavia, Spain, France, Poland, and Romania, while Germany, a significant producer of wind power, has a less promising growth forecast. Accordingly, building cross-border transmission infrastructure will be essential to Europe’s energy cooperation.
Wind energy production is already being increased in a number of European nations. France’s total wind power capacity increased to 20.9 GW in 2022 with the addition of 1.4 GW of new onshore capacity and 0.5 GW of offshore capacity. Through its green industries strategy, the French government is encouraging the growth of wind by providing producers with a 25% tax credit.
