In 2017, the European Union (EU) reached a new historical record in the installation of wind energy. Renewables are taking an increasingly leading role in the energy transition. During that year, 15,7 gigawatts of wind capacity were added, which represents an increase of 20% compared to 2016.
According to WindEurope's report, total installed wind capacity across the EU has reached 169 gigawatts (GW), significantly catching up with natural gas-fired power generation facilities. This achievement is indicative of the advancement of clean energy on the continent.
Record wind energy in the European Union
The record achieved by the EU in 2017 reflects additional capacity 169 GW of installed wind powerThis milestone places wind energy as the second most important source of electricity generation, reaching a share of 11,6% of total electricity demand in the EU. It also represents 18% of the overall installed electricity capacity in the region.
Of the additional 15,7 gigawatts installed in 2017, most came from land-based plants (12,526 GW), but offshore wind saw impressive growth, with an additional 3,154 GW, an increase of 101% compared to the previous year. This development is part of a general trend towards offshore wind, which continues to gain ground in Europe, especially in the United Kingdom and Germany.
As for the total wind energy installed in Europe, 153 GW correspond to land-based facilities and 16 GW to marine energy. This growth would not have been possible without the investment of 22.300 millones de euros in new wind projects during the year.
Leading countries in wind energy: Germany in the lead
Germany once again topped the charts for new wind capacity installations in Europe, with a total of 6,6 GW added to its wind infrastructure. This increase brings its total capacity to an impressive XNUMX GW. 56,132 GW, which means that Germany accounts for nearly 42% of all new wind power installations in the European Union.
Other countries that also recorded notable records for wind power installations were the United Kingdom (4,3 GW), France (1,7 GW), Finland (577 MW), Belgium (476 MW), Ireland (426 GW) and Croatia (147 MW).
Denmark and other countries with high wind penetration
One of the highlights in the European wind energy sector in 2017 was the level of penetration in certain countries. Denmark, for example, covered the 44% of its electricity demand with wind energy, being one of the countries with the highest share of renewables in its energy mix. Other countries, such as Ireland and Portugal, reached quotas of 24% of wind generation, while in Germany it stood at a 20% and in Spain in a 18,2%.
The Spanish market, although it did not grow as much in new installations as other European countries, remains the second largest in the EU, with an installed capacity of 23,170 GW and a total production of 49,100 TWh in 2017. This allows it to maintain a prominent position in the global landscape of wind energy, second only to Germany.
Future prospects for wind energy in Europe
Despite the record-breaking performance, the future of wind energy in Europe faces some challenges. The trend towards auctions for the allocation of wind farm construction contracts has caused uncertainty in the sector due to the lack of predictability regarding post-2020 government renewable energy targets.
However, the competitiveness of wind energy continues to rise. According to the WindEurope report, Wind power is currently the cheapest form of new energy generation, reaching prices of less than 3 euro cents per kWh in markets such as India, Mexico and Morocco. This cost decline is expected to continue, driven by technological improvements and economies of scale.
Technological development is key to maintaining the competitiveness of wind power. Continued improvements in turbine efficiency and innovations in offshore wind energy (especially on floating platforms) could make it possible to achieve ambitious targets for 2030. According to WindEurope, with the right policies, wind energy could cover up to XNUMX% of the energy demand in the coming years. 30% of European electricity demand in that time horizon.
In addition to these advances, investment in research and development is crucial. Total investment in offshore wind energy in Europe is expected to reach record levels in the coming years, consolidating Europe's position as a world leader in this sector.
2017 was a historic year for wind energy in the European Union. With around 169 GW of installed capacity, this form of renewable energy continues to establish itself as a key element in the continent's energy transition. Although uncertainties persist in the medium term, the future of wind energy looks promising, thanks to the reduction in costs and the continued technological evolution that continues to drive the sector.