Europe installed 6.8 gigawatts (GW) of new wind power capacity in the first half of 2025, bringing the continent’s total to 291 GW, industry group WindEurope said Wednesday.
In the first six months of the year, 5.3 GW of the total new capacity came from the European Union (EU).
Onshore wind accounted for 6 GW, up 89% compared to the same period last year, while offshore wind installation made up 741 megawatts (MW).
- Germany drives growth
Germany led installations with 2.2 GW of new capacity, followed by Spain with 889 MW, the UK with 760 MW and Türkiye with 593 MW.
Europe's total wind capacity now stands at 254 GW onshore and 37 GW offshore.
WindEurope noted that installations do not occur evenly throughout the year and offshore projects in particular depend on weather conditions.
Over the past decade, more offshore construction has typically taken place in the second half of the year.
Despite this variability, WindEurope revised down its forecast for new wind capacity in 2025 from 22.5 GW to 19 GW.
The group expects 12 GW of new capacity in the second half of the year, including 9 GW in the EU.
- EU falling short of 2030 goal
The EU is now projected to reach 344 GW of installed wind capacity by 2030—298 GW onshore and 46 GW offshore—well below the bloc’s official target of 425 GW.
WindEurope said momentum will continue beyond 2030 but urged governments to accelerate electrification of industry, modernize grids, expand port infrastructure, and fully implement new permitting rules to close the gap.
By Gulsen Cagatay
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr