Energy Targets
Europe’s wind energy sector is increasingly concerned about its ability to meet 2030 renewable energy targets as political uncertainty and structural challenges threaten investment and project delivery, industry leaders said at WindEnergy Hamburg 2026.
WindEurope expects around 24GW of new wind capacity to be installed across Europe in 2026, but CEO Tinne Van de Straeten warned that the current pace is not sustainable without action on grid connections, electricity demand and infrastructure.
Industry representatives highlighted grid bottlenecks, permitting delays, transport constraints, supply-chain investment and insufficient storage capacity as key obstacles to further growth.
They also stressed that greater policy certainty is needed to unlock investment and enable final investment decisions for projects already in the pipeline.
While Germany was cited as making progress on permitting, speakers warned that many other European countries are lagging.
Accelerating electrification, expanding and digitising grids, and creating a stable investment environment will be essential if Europe is to realise its wind energy potential and deliver on its 2030 ambitions.
