At the opening of WindEurope’s annual event in Copenhagen, which brings together over 15,000 participants from across the wind energy sector, the industry launched a bold new initiative aimed at boosting Europe’s energy security and industrial competitiveness. The “Copenhagen Call to Action” was unveiled during the event’s opening session, marking a united push from the sector to accelerate the continent’s clean energy transition.
This call to action comes amid a backdrop of unprecedented economic uncertainty and aligns with the European Union’s new Clean Industrial Deal. The deal places electrification and the rapid build-out of renewable energy at the core of Europe’s industrial strategy, emphasising the need for urgent and coordinated efforts across member states.
The Copenhagen Call to Action outlines 3 key steps that governments must take. First, it urges the swift application of the EU’s updated permitting rules, enabling faster approval and deployment of wind projects. Streamlining these processes is critical to unlocking the full potential of wind energy in a timely manner.
Second, it calls for the removal of barriers to electrification. This includes providing state aid to support renewable power purchase agreements (PPAs), making it easier for industries and businesses to transition to clean electricity.
Finally, the call to action emphasises the importance of de-risking investments in wind energy. It advocates for a stable and predictable pipeline of two-sided Contracts for Difference (CfDs), which would provide long-term certainty for investors and help drive sustained growth in the sector. Together, these measures form a clear and actionable roadmap to reinforce Europe’s energy independence and maintain its global leadership in renewable energy.
Wind energy currently provides 20% of Europe’s electricity, but the EU has set ambitious targets to increase this share to 35% by 2030 and more than 50% by 2050. According to WindEurope, wind power, being a domestic and renewable source, enhances energy security and shields consumers from the price volatility associated with imported fossil fuels. The Institute offers our accredited Wind Power course, designed to provide technical knowledge and help learners understand the theory behind wind energy, as well as how to install and operate wind turbines at various scales.
To help meet the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal targets, the European wind energy supply chain is investing more than €11 billion in new manufacturing facilities. These investments are vital for scaling up production and supporting the continent’s transition to a cleaner energy system.
Despite these efforts, Europe is not building new wind farms at the pace needed to achieve its energy and industrial goals. WindEurope identified several key obstacles to progress: inefficient permitting procedures, delays in grid infrastructure development, poorly designed auctions and a lack of sufficient electrification across sectors.
WindEurope chairman Henrik Andersen said: “Europe is in a moment of transition. To secure European influence in the global economy, we need more secure, affordable and sustainable energy. Wind energy is already driving industrial growth and energy independence across Europe, we just need to scale up. This calls for increasing viable demand for wind energy, and strengthening wind’s market environment. WindEurope Copenhagen will be a critical opportunity for European governments and industry to agree on how we can achieve this, together.”