Wind energy in Europe grows 30% in first half of 2026

European wind energy capacity saw a 30% increase in the first half of 2026, with 8.8 GW of new capacity installed compared to the same period in 2025. According to WindEurope, the sector is on track for a record year, with estimates suggesting total installations could reach approximately 24 GW by December.

Of the new capacity, 6.5 GW (74%) was onshore, while 2.3 GW was offshore. Germany led the European Union in new installations with 3.4 GW, followed by the United Kingdom (789 MW), Spain (612 MW), France (556 MW), Denmark (495 MW), and Poland (456 MW). The total installed wind capacity in Europe has now exceeded 311 GW.

While the growth is significant, WindEurope notes that reaching the long-term goal of 30 GW of new annual capacity in the coming decade will require addressing structural obstacles, including permitting processes, grid connections, and auction frameworks.