EU’s 2024 new wind capacity less than half amount needed for climate goal, industry group says

[Reuters/Liesa Johannssen]

Wind powerfulness provided 20% of the energy consumed successful Europe past year, but the capableness built during the year was little than fractional of what is needed to conscionable the European Union’s 2030 vigor and clime targets, manufacture radical WindEurope said connected Friday.

Why it’s important

Wind has been a increasing portion of Europe’s energy accumulation for much than 20 years, and the European Union wants it to turn overmuch much to conscionable targets to combat clime alteration and besides arsenic it reduces reliance connected fossil fuels.

By the numbers

Europe built 15 gigawatts (GW) of caller wind vigor past year, including 13 GW of offshore wind and astir 2 GW of onshore wind, according to preliminary 2024 information from WindEurope.
European Union countries accounted for 13 GW of this, but to scope its 2030 clime targets the 27-nation bloc should beryllium gathering 30 GW a year of caller wind farms.

The EU wants wind powerfulness to relationship for 34% of energy consumed by 2030 and much than 50% by 2050.

Context

The planetary offshore wind manufacture successful peculiar has faced a challenging fewer years owed to infrastructure, grid transportation and logistics issues, permitting delays and higher constituent costs.

Offshore wind investments successful Europe person fallen and it remains challenging for companies to take last concern decisions, WindEurope said.

Key Quotes

“Europe is not gathering capable caller wind farms. For 3 main reasons: a) astir governments are not applying the bully EU permitting rules; b) caller grid connections are delayed; c) Europe is not electrifying its system rapidly enough,” said WindEurope main enforcement Giles Dickson. [Reuters]