Summary
In the grand arena of renewable energy, Europe finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with the winds of change that seem not to be blowing in its favor. Recent declarations from Kadri Simson, the European Commissioner for Energy, have unfurled a cautionary banner; she emphasizes that the continent’s ambition to achieve a mix of 42.5% renewable sources by the year 2030 may flounder without a “new impetus.” Indeed, the horizon appears dim as the latest biannual report from Wind Europe, a coalition of about 600 players in the wind industry, lays bare the less-than-stellar performance of the sector during the first half of 2024. Throughout the first six months of this year, Europe managed to install a mere 6.3 gigawatts (GW) of new wind capacity, nudging the total to 278 GW. However, these newly erected giants of steel and blade are described as “slightly below” the forecasts set forth by Wind Europe, which now anticipates that the total installations for 2024 will lag behind 2023’s figures. Yet, amidst the swirling tempest of disappointment, glimmers of optimism pierce through the clouds. A total of 19.7 GW of wind capacities has been allocated across eight countries, signaling a potential upswing in future installations. Of this new capacity, 6.5 GW is earmarked for onshore projects, while a significant 13.2 GW is destined for offshore endeavors. This promising allocation already accounts for over 70% of the total volume assigned throughout the previous year, hinting at a possible awakening of the wind sector’s dormant potential.
Original Source: www.liberation.fr
