Updated on January 21, 2025
In a dramatic shift that signals Europe’s clean energy dominance, wind farms across the continent generated 616 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity in 2024—just 4% less than coal-fired power plants. With wind energy output rising 3% annually and coal production falling by 7%, the stage is set for wind to surpass coal as Europe’s primary electricity source in 2025.
This would mark the first time a renewable energy source overtakes coal in a major region, highlighting Europe’s commitment to a greener future.
The Winds of Change Powering Europe
According to energy think tank Ember, Europe’s wind farms produced 616 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity in 2024, just 4% shy of the 641 TWh generated by coal. This gap of 25 TWh is narrowing rapidly, thanks to a combination of increased wind capacity and favorable policy measures. If the trends from 2024 continue, wind energy is expected to surpass coal by approximately 6% in 2025, producing an estimated 652 TWh.
In 2024 alone, the region added 15 gigawatts (GW) of new wind capacity, bringing the total to 287 GW, according to Wind Europe. This growth is pivotal in boosting electricity output and highlights the scalability of wind energy as a cornerstone of Europe’s energy transition.
Offshore Wind Advantage
Europe has also been a global leader in offshore wind development. Offshore turbines, which are larger and more efficient than their onshore counterparts, are crucial to achieving higher output levels. The North Sea, Baltic Sea, and other maritime regions host some of the world’s largest offshore wind farms. For example, the Hornsea 1 Wind Farm in the United Kingdom has a capacity of over 1.2 GW, enough to power more than one million homes.
Offshore wind contributes to Europe’s renewable energy goals and creates economic opportunities. The sector has generated thousands of jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. Moreover, innovations such as floating wind and vertical-axis wind turbines are unlocking potential in deeper waters, expanding the scope of offshore wind projects.
Global Context: Europe vs. the U.S. and China
Europe’s progress in wind energy contrasts sharply with developments in other major regions. In the United States, wind energy is also growing but faces challenges such as political resistance and inconsistent subsidies. The U.S. added around 12 GW of wind capacity in 2024, less than Europe, despite having a larger landmass and comparable wind resources.
China, on the other hand, has the world’s largest installed wind capacity, exceeding 400 GW. However, much of its expansion has been onshore, with less emphasis on offshore wind—an area where Europe leads. Additionally, Europe’s commitment to reducing coal dependency outpaces both the U.S. and China, highlighting its role as a frontrunner in the global energy transition.
Benefits Beyond Emissions Reductions
The shift to wind energy offers benefits beyond reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For one, wind energy enhances energy security by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. This is particularly critical as geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions have affected natural gas supplies in recent years.
The wind energy sector in Europe is an economic powerhouse. The industry supports a robust supply chain, from turbine manufacturing and installation to logistics and maintenance. In 2024, Europe’s wind energy industry employed more than 350,000 people, a number expected to grow as capacity expands.
Moreover, wind energy provides a decentralized power source, reducing grid vulnerability to disruptions. With developments in grid integration and energy storage, wind power is becoming an increasingly reliable contributor to Europe’s energy mix.
Key Risks to Watch
Despite its advantages, wind energy faces several challenges:
- Natural Gas Supply: Reduced gas flows from Russia could force utilities to increase coal use, potentially delaying the shift to wind energy.
- Low Wind Speeds: Periods of below-average wind speeds, as observed in 2024, could curtail electricity generation.
- Industrial Demand: A rebound in industrial activity could increase overall energy consumption, requiring greater output from all energy sources, including coal.
- Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Delays in grid expansion and upgrades could limit the full integration of wind energy.
Innovations Driving the Future
The future of wind energy in Europe is underpinned by continuous innovation. Advances in turbine technology, such as larger rotor diameters and higher hub heights, are enhancing efficiency and output. Materials like carbon fiber are making turbines lighter and more durable, reducing maintenance costs and increasing lifespan.
Floating wind farms represent another groundbreaking development. These installations can be deployed in deeper waters with higher and more consistent wind speeds. Pilot projects in the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean are already demonstrating the viability of this technology.
Energy storage systems are also transforming the wind energy landscape. By pairing wind farms with advanced battery systems, excess energy can be stored and dispatched during periods of low generation, ensuring a stable power supply.
Conclusion
Europe’s wind energy sector is poised for a historic milestone in 2025, overtaking coal as the region’s primary electricity source. This achievement reflects decades of strategic investment, innovation, and policy support.
As Europe continues to lead the global energy transition, its success serves as a blueprint for other regions. With sustained efforts, wind energy could redefine Europe’s energy landscape and accelerate the world’s shift toward a sustainable future.
