In the framework of WindEurope's Annual Conference in Copenhagen, the industry has presented the Copenhagen Call for Action, outlining three urgent steps to reinforce Europe’s energy independence and industrial competitiveness. This comes amid a backdrop of escalating economic uncertainty and global energy instability. 57k5w

With wind power currently supplying 20% of Europe’s electricity – a figure the EU aims to increase to 35% by 2030 and over 50% by 2050 – the industry is seen as a cornerstone of the continent’s Clean Industrial Deal and its wider electrification strategy. However, the deployment of new wind capacity is falling short of targets.

The Copenhagen Call to Action stresses that wind energy, being homegrown and increasingly cost-effective compared to fossil fuels, offers Europe a unique opportunity to boost energy security, cut industrial costs and reduce dependence on volatile imports. But the current pace of deployment is hindered by systemic issues including inefficient permitting, grid bottlenecks, flawed auction design and limited electrification.

“The EU’s Clean Industrial Deal rightly puts electrification and renewables at the heart of our industrial future,” said Henrik Andersen, Chairman of WindEurope. “Wind energy is already powering European businesses and cutting their energy costs. But to secure our place in the global economy, we must scale up faster.”

To accelerate progress, the wind industry is urging European governments to adopt three straightforward measures:

1. Apply the new EU permitting rules: These have already shown success in , which now permits seven times more onshore wind than five years ago. The industry also calls for the removal of non-viable ‘zombie’ projects from grid connection queues.

2. Remove barriers to electrification: Allow energy-intensive industries to benefit from state aid for renewable Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), not just for on-site usage. Electricity bills should be stripped of non-energy taxes to make renewables a more obvious consumer choice.

3. De-risk investments with stable CfD pipelines:Implement a consistent flow of two-sided Contracts for Difference (CfDs), which reduce capital costs, provide revenue certainty, and deliver value for governments.

Currently, the wind energy supply chain is investing over €11 billion in new manufacturing facilities to meet expected demand. Yet electricity still only s for 23% of Europe’s total energy consumption – a figure that lags behind China, which is rapidly advancing its own electrification.

“WindEurope Copenhagen will be a pivotal moment,” Andersen added. “We have the tools and the technology. Now we need political will and coordinated action to scale wind power and secure Europe’s industrial and energy future.”

The message from Copenhagen is clear: Europe has a choice – act now to unlock wind’s full potential or risk falling behind in the global energy transition.