Evolution of wind energy in Europe

Wind energy continues to grow in Europe despite economic challenges, although there is still much work to be done. This is the conclusion of Wind energy in Europe: 2025 Statistics and the outlook for 2026-2030, the latest edition of an annual report produced by WindEurope. According to the study, the European wind sector installed a total of 19.1 GW of new capacity in 2025, of which 17.2 GW was onshore and 2 GW offshore. Ninety percent of installations during the year were on land.

Despite bottlenecks in electrical networks, demand growing more slowly than expected and persistent administrative permitting challenges in several countries, Europe now has 304 GW of installed capacity. However, despite this progress, the organisation warns that the installation rate is not sufficient to meet the European Union’s 2030 wind target of 500 GW.

This target serves several purposes, as wind energy is affordable, clean and, above all, strategic for Europe. On the one hand, it supports the development of rural areas. On the other, and perhaps most importantly, it reduces dependence on fossil fuels, particularly imported ones, for electricity generation. This energy sovereignty helps stabilise prices and boosts industrial competitiveness in the region, while also strengthening national security

Evolution of wind energy

Since the end of the 20th century, wind energy has become an increasingly important part of Europe's electricity production. In the last decade, this technology has steadily expanded its installed capacity, reaching a total of 304 GW in 2025, with 265 GW onshore and 39 GW offshore.

New installed wind capacity in Europe

Wind farms in Europe

To achieve this installed capacity, countries across the continent have contributed to the development of wind farms to varying degrees. With 77.7 GW, Germany remains the leading producer of wind energy in Europe, followed by Spain (33.2 GW), the United Kingdom (32.9 GW), France (26.4 GW) and Sweden (18.5 GW). 

However, other countries stand out for their momentum in 2025. Germany, continuing its trajectory, installed 5.7 GW of new wind capacity, making it the fastest-growing market. It is followed by Turkey (2.1 GW), Sweden (1.8 GW), Spain (1.6 GW), France (1.4 GW), the United Kingdom (1.3 GW) and Finland (1 GW). 

Growth of total wind energy capacity in Europe

Denmark and Ireland continue to lead in terms of the share of wind in their energy mix, reaching 50% and 33% respectively in annual generation. However, there are countries that are actively working to follow in their lead, such as Lithuania, which also reached 33%.

Percentage of average annual electricity demand covered by wind energy in 2025

Overall, wind energy covered 19% of electricity demand in EU-27 countries and 20% when including the United Kingdom. Onshore wind accounted for 16% of EU electricity demand, while offshore contributed the remaining 3%.

Outlook 2026-2030

According to the report, Europe is entering one of the most decisive five-year periods for wind energy. It forecasts that the continent will install 151 GW of new capacity between 2026 and 2030, at an average rate of 30 GW per year, reaching 439 GW by 2030. In the European Union, the forecast points to 112 GW of additional capacity, although this would still fall significantly short of the official target.

Onshore wind, the undisputed driver

Onshore wind will continue to lead growth. The report estimates that it will account for 77% of new installations, with 117 GW expected by 2030. Germany tops the ranking with 46 GW forecast, driven by reforms in permitting and auctions, followed by Turkey and the United Kingdom. The report calls for Germany’s example to be followed, particularly in implementing new permitting rules across European Union countries.

Offshore wind and repowering, key levers

For offshore wind, the gap between ambition and reality remains significant. WindEurope projects 34 GW of new offshore capacity by 2030 – compared with the 158 GW target set by some governments in 2022 – with the United Kingdom (15 GW), Germany (6.9 GW) and Poland (almost 5 GW) leading the way.

At the same time, upgrading older wind farms – known as repowering – is emerging as a strategic lever. Nearly 16 GW is expected to be repowered between 2026 and 2030. This could, on average, triple energy production while reducing the number of turbines by one third and optimising the performance of existing wind farms. Germany, France and Spain will account for more than half of this activity.

Without networks, there is no transition

The report is clear on a point that goes beyond turbines: more than 500 GW of wind projects are currently stuck in network connection queues across Europe. Without urgent expansion of electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure, wind farms may be ready to generate power but unable to deliver it to the system.

The report calls for a shift from a first-come, first-served connection model to one that prioritises the most mature projects. It also stresses that networks must be planned and built in advance, not years after congestion emerges. The wind industry itself recognises that without investment in networks, electrification will not be possible.

The development of these networks not only improves access to wind-generated electricity but also enables the integration of other renewable technologies. Managing wind energy demand involves not only immediate grid injection but also leveraging advances in electricity storage and hybridisation – combining wind, solar and batteries – to increase the use of clean energy across many countries.

A job-creating sector that needs renewable energy experts

The growth of wind energy is expected to increase direct and indirect employment in the sector in Europe from 442,800 today to 607,000 by 2030, a rise of 37%. However, the report warns that the shortage of qualified technical profiles – both for wind farm installation and operation and for the development and maintenance of electrical networks – is already a real constraint in 2026.

Without urgent measures in training, certification and labour mobility, talent shortages could become one of the main obstacles to achieving Europe’s climate and energy targets.

How to mitigate the impact of wind farms

It is undeniable that introducing any type of infrastructure into an environment has a direct impact. This applies to housing, roads and all kinds of developments. Wind farms are no exception, and, given their strategic importance, it is essential to implement mitigation measures to maximise energy benefits while minimising environmental and social impact.

Careful planning is therefore key. From selecting sites – preferably in areas where visual and noise impact is minimised – to monitoring local flora and fauna and maintaining ongoing dialogue with communities, interaction between developers and the surrounding environment must be continuous and transparent.

At Iberdrola, we firmly believe that the future of energy depends on protecting the environment in which it is produced. We carefully plan each of our projects, placing strong emphasis on biodiversity protection and environmental conservation. In addition, we apply the innovative approach that has defined our more than 125-year history to the development and operation of our renewable projects, continuously exploring new ways to generate energy while respecting the environment.