In 2023, Europe has seen a sharp increase in investment in wind energy, which has more than doubled compared to 2022, mainly thanks to record funding for offshore wind projects, European wind energy association WindEurope was pleased to announce on 21 March.
Despite tighter financing conditions, Europe has invested €48 billion in wind power (21.2 GW of financed capacity), including €30 billion in offshore wind alone.
This increase was attributed to the stabilisation of costs after two years of significant inflation in the price of steel and other raw materials, improved government policies, the simplification of authorisations and greater investor confidence linked to the growing recognition by governments of the need to index auction tariffs and prices.
The EU and national governments have recognised the importance of the sector by approving the European Commission’s Renewable Energy Plan (see EUROPE 13278/5) and signing the European Wind Charter (see EUROPE 13318/10).
WindEurope forecasts that the EU will install an average of 29 GW per year between 2024 and 2030, bringing the EU’s installed wind capacity to 393 GW by 2030, keeping the EU’s target within reach (see EUROPE 13332/8).
However, the Association stresses that the timely expansion of electricity grids remains a crucial challenge for the continued development of wind energy. (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)