The European Wind Charter Is Born
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The European Union (EU) has made significant strides in advancing wind energy, a key component in its renewable energy strategy. This progress was highlighted at the recent Energy Council in Brussels, where two major developments took place: the signing of the European Wind Charter and the submission of wind deployment pledges by 21 Member States. These steps align with the objectives set out in the European Wind Power Action Plan, demonstrating the EU’s commitment to fostering a robust wind energy sector.
27 December 2023 – 3 MIN READING
On 19 December 2023, 26 national Energy Ministers and top representatives from the wind industry signed the European Wind Charter. This event, at the presence of Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson, marked a collaborative effort involving more than 300 companies in the wind sector.
The Charter includes voluntary commitments to support the EU wind sector’s development and is part of the 15 actions identified in the European Wind Power Action Plan.
Commissioner Kadri Simson, speaking at the signature ceremony, highlighted the collective determination of the Member States and the wind energy sector’s CEOs. She emphasized the Charter as the first outcome of the European Wind Power Action Plan, aiming to enhance the global competitiveness of the EU’s clean tech industry.
The Commission has confirmed that 21 Member States have responded with specific pledges on wind energy deployment for 2024-2026. These pledges, while voluntary and non-binding, provide a clear picture of the expected wind energy expansion in the EU. They encompass all wind capacities, both onshore and offshore, and include publicly supported and non-supported projects.
In a previous article, we detailed the European Union’s ambitious target to increase its wind energy capacity from 204 GW in 2022 to over 500 GW by 2030. This goal is in line with the EU’s target of at least 42.5% renewable energy , however it would require the installation of at least 88,000 new wind turbines. It’s a significant technological, financial, and administrative effort, considering the need to more than double the existing wind turbine installations.
For the period 2023-27, the expectation is that the EU will build an average of 20 GW of new wind energy capacity per year. However, this rate of expansion is not sufficient to meet the EU’s energy and climate objectives. To reach these goals, an average construction rate of 31 GW per year is needed until 2030. Achieving this target is feasible if Europe continues to streamline rules and permitting procedures, restore clear signals for investors, and – most importantly – make substantial investments in the wind energy value chain, including factories, networks, ports, vessels, and skilled workers.
Currently, Europe lacks sufficient factories to manufacture all the new wind turbines needed. The European law on zero-emission industry should make state aid rules more flexible and facilitate grants and funding for investments in new plants and infrastructure. However, according to WindEurope, “national tax credits for investments also play a crucial role”. Additionally, the European Investment Bank should be authorized to finance investments in individual plants.
Well, in any case these developments underline the EU’s ambition to lead in wind power, showcasing a unified approach to renewable energy. The European Wind Charter and the national wind pledges are not just symbolic; they represent a concrete commitment to a sustainable and clean energy future.
Go the European Wind Energy Page
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