Europe adds 14.7 GW wind capacity in 2020, led by Netherlands

London — Some 14.7 GW of wind power capacity were installed in Europe last year, down 6% on 2019 and 19% below forecast, sector association WindEurope said Feb. 25.

The Netherlands led the way with 2 GW added, including 1.5 GW offshore, followed by Germany, Norway, Spain and France.

EU27 states accounted for 10.5 GW of the new capacity.

Looking ahead, some 105 GW wind capacity is expected to come online in Europe over the next five years, WindEurope said, of which 72% or 76 GW would be onshore.

"Europe is not building enough new wind farms to deliver the EU's climate and energy goals," WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson said.

"Permitting rules and procedures are too complex. There are not enough people working in the permitting authorities to process permit applications," he said.

Specifically for the EU27, some 27 GW/year would be required to deliver the EU's higher 2030 climate target of at least a 55% cut in carbon emissions.

Only 15 GW/year are forecast in EU27 states to 2025, the association said.

It predicted a rebound this year to a record level of additions of just under 20 GW with projects delayed by coronavirus restrictions reaching completion.

Across Europe, the UK is forecast to install the most new wind capacity over the next five years (18 GW, of which 15 GW would be offshore).

Germany is forecast to install 16 GW, of which 13 GW is onshore, WindEurope said.

France (12 GW), Sweden (7 GW) and the Netherlands (6 GW) are to follow in the five years to 2025.

Some 9.4 GW of first-generation turbines could be decommissioned over the next five years with only 2.4 GW to be repowered, it said.

Wind turbines generated 458 TWh in 2020 covering some 16% of European electricity demand amid regional variations.

Wind covered 27% of demand in both Germany and the UK, 22% in Spain 22% and 48% in Denmark, it said.

Total installed European wind capacity stood at 219.5 GW at the end of 2020, of which 179 GW was in EU27 states.

EUROPEAN WIND 2020 ADDITIONS (GW)

Source: WindEurope 2020 report