The European Wind Energy Association says that wind power could meet one-quarter of Europe’s electricity demand by 2030 if Member States delivered on their climate and energy pledges.
Europe’s installed wind energy capacity of 129 GW can meet over ten per cent of Europe’s power consumption in a normal wind year and over the next 15 years, EWEA expects wind capacity in Europe to reach 320 GW.
That would be enough to meet just over 24 per cent of electricity demand in the region, says EWEA. "Wind energy will be the backbone of the European power sector when we reach the end of next decade," said Kristian Ruby, Chief Policy Officer of EWEA.
However, the forecasts are contingent on a number of factors on the political and regulatory front including a clear governance structure for the EU-wide 27 per cent renewables target for 2030, which was agreed last year, says EWEA.
Clear direction is needed from the European Commission to ensure that Member States propose robust national action plans for renewable energy and remain on track to meet the common target.
Ruby said: "The regulatory framework is a key driver in guaranteeing investor certainty. If policy makers get it right, the wind sector could grow even more. If they don’t, we will fall short to the detriment of investments, employment and climate protection."
He added: "Three key challenges must be tackled. A renewable energy directive with a strong legal foundation for renewables in the post-2020 space; a reformed power market tailored to renewable energy integration and, finally, a revitalised Emissions Trading System that provides a clear signal to investors by putting a meaningful price on carbon pollution."
