The annual report from WindEurope confirms that 2025 was a historic year for wind energy in Europe. 19.1 GW of new capacity was installed (17.2 GW onshore and 2 GW offshore), bringing the total accumulated to 304 GW. Germany led the deployment with 5.7 GW, solidifying its position as the continental wind power leader.
Spain, with 1.6 GW onshore, entered the European top 5, while other countries like Turkey (2.1 GW), Sweden (1.8 GW), and France (1.4 GW) also stood out.
Highlighted Cases
- Lithuania: installed 759 MW, increasing its capacity by more than 40% and achieving wind coverage of 33% of its electricity demand. In a complex geopolitical context, wind energy became a strategy for energy sovereignty.
- Germany: not only led on land but also launched new offshore wind turbines, although the offshore sector had its worst year since 2016.
Onshore Wind: Growth Driver
90% of the new installations were on land. With 17.2 GW added in a single year, onshore wind set a historic record. Nine countries installed more than 500 MW, showing a relatively distributed expansion.
Offshore Wind: A Weak Year
Offshore wind added only 2 GW, affected by construction delays. The United Kingdom, Germany, and France were the only countries to connect new parks. However, a rebound in 2026 is expected, with several projects in development ready to go into operation.
Outlook Towards 2030
Europe plans to install 151 GW additional between 2026 and 2030, of which 112 GW will be within the European Union. More than a third will come from the dynamic German onshore wind market.
Obstacles Identified by WindEurope
The report warns of three major challenges:
- Insufficient electrical grids: lack of infrastructure and long connection queues are the main bottleneck.
- Slow electrification: industry, transport, and heating are advancing slowly in their transition, limiting the demand needed to support new projects.
- Administrative processing: despite European measures to accelerate permits, most member states do not fully apply them. The European Commission has initiated infringement procedures against 26 of the 27 countries.
Regulatory Stability and Financial Risk
WindEurope warns that sudden changes in the electricity market or in the Emissions Trading System (ETS) could jeopardize billions in investments. The energy transition requires not only engineering but also political coherence and regulatory stability.
Wind energy is no longer a distant promise: it is a strategic infrastructure for Europe. With investments of 45 billion euros and a record pace of installation, wind is consolidating as a pillar of industrial competitiveness and energy security. The question is whether political decisions will allow the sector to advance at full sail or introduce turbulence amid the greatest energy challenge of our time.
