Over the next 4 years EU countries, albeit after the deadline, will reach their goals regards the percentage of renewable energy produced by 2020. This paves the way for the next step: the 2030 targets will be even more ambitious.

Wind turbine energy plays a key role in this phase, allowing many European countries to continue decarbonisation of their energy systems - winding down coal dependence in favour of more eco-friendly solutions - in an economically efficient way, carrying forward the current transformation.

The impact of wind turbine energy on European energy systems

According to the report “Wind Energy In Europe: Outlook to 2022”, by WindEurope asbl/vzw, Europe can expect big growth in both onshore and offshore wind turbines by 2022.

The report is based around 5 main points, cited below.

1. Growth of 17.4GW per year

Wind power production will undergo a steady increase in Europe, with an average of 17.4GW per year over the next 5 years.

2. 258GW capacity will be installed in Europe by 2022

With the 87GW of wind power that will be installed over the next 5 years, Europe could reach 258GW of capacity by 2022.

3. Increasingly large turbines

Ever-bigger turbines will become the norm over the next 5 years. 4MW + 8MW for onshore and offshore platforms respectively.

4. Germany is at the forefront of the sector for Europe

Germany, Spain and the UK consolidate the dominant position of wind energy in Europe between now and 2022, despite a decline by Germany (in terms of new plants) and progress made by countries such as Sweden.

Italy holds fifth position, directly after France.

5. 25% of wind turbine plants in the world

With over 80GW of net additional wind power predicted by 2022, Europe houses 25% of net global wind turbine plants, ranked above North America (18%) and behind Asia (48%).