Europe's Wind Industry Ready to Scale Clean Energy

Europe's wind power industry just proved it's ready to deliver clean energy at scale, and the blueprint for success is already working in several countries.

Germany installed an impressive 20GW of wind power in 2025, with 14GW coming through competitive auction systems where companies bid for the right to build wind farms. The results show that when governments design auctions well, clean energy projects move forward fast.

Tinne Van der Straeten, the new CEO of WindEurope and former Belgian energy minister, says the industry has the manufacturing capacity and supply chains ready to go. The missing piece isn't technology or capability. It's getting all European countries on the same page with streamlined permits and smart auction designs.

Germany's 2023 renewable energy law fast tracks permits for wind projects, cutting through red tape that slows progress elsewhere. Spain has enormous wind potential and existing turbines across the country, but permitting delays hold back new projects that could deliver more clean power.

The numbers tell an encouraging story. Europe currently has 291GW of wind capacity, including the UK, with plans to scale offshore wind from 37GW today to 60GW by 2030 and 300GW by 2050. That growth would power millions of homes with zero emissions.

The Bright Side

The occasional failed auction isn't a setback. It's a learning opportunity. When Denmark's offshore wind auction received no bids in 2024, analysts quickly identified the problems: flawed auction design and insufficient price caps. Industry leaders now know exactly what needs fixing.

Negative energy prices, where renewable supply exceeds demand, are becoming more common. While they might sound concerning, Van der Straeten calls them a "sign of success" showing the system produces ever larger quantities of clean power. The solution involves adding battery storage and encouraging energy intensive companies to operate when renewable power is abundant and cheap, essentially acting as virtual batteries.

EU leaders will gather at the North Sea Summit on January 26 to expand offshore wind collaboration. Van der Straeten wants a new offshore wind deal where governments commit to auction specific energy volumes and the industry commits to building the infrastructure. Both sides are ready to make it happen.

The EU aims to draw at least 42.5% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030, requiring 500GW of new clean power capacity within four years. With proven auction systems and manufacturing ready to scale, Europe's wind industry shows that ambitious climate goals are achievable when policy and industry work together toward clean energy that benefits everyone.