Record Wind Power Growth
Europe adds 8.8 GW of wind capacity in a strong first half of 2026.
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Key Points
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Greece added 321 MW in the first half of 2026, bringing its total wind capacity to about 6.02 GW.
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Ukraine installed more than 400 MW of wind in the first half of 2026 despite the ongoing war.
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Poland’s offshore Baltic Power project reached 1.2 GW offshore in H1 2026, with 76 Vestas turbines; it is a Northland Power–Orlen joint venture, with Poland holding a 49.9% stake and completion expected by year-end.
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Onshore wind accounted for about 74% of the 8.8 GW installed in the first half of 2026, with total onshore capacity reaching about 270.5 GW across Europe by June 2026.
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"Europe has never auctioned more new wind in a single year." WindEurope noted that momentum will depend on policy choices, grids, and electrification.
Europe installed 8.8 GW of new wind power in the first half of 2026, a 30% jump from the same period last year, putting the continent on track for a record year. WindEurope said this is enough electricity to power about seven million homes and replace 25 LNG tanker shipments annually. Germany led the way with 3.4 GW of new capacity.
The sector is poised to reach 24 GW of new wind by year-end 2026, with 17 GW already awarded through auctions and another 26 GW expected to be tendered later this year. But industry leaders warn the momentum depends on government action on permitting, grid upgrades, and electrification policies.
Germany Drives European Wind Expansion
Germany accounted for nearly 40% of Europe's new wind capacity in the first half of 2026 with 3.4 GW installed. The European noted the country approved over 9 GW of onshore wind projects in the first six months, signaling strong policy support. This leadership reflects Germany's commitment to energy independence after curtailing Russian gas imports.
Onshore wind made up about 74% of the 8.8 GW total, bringing Europe's total onshore capacity to roughly 270.5 GW by mid-2026. Multiple countries contributed to the growth, though permitting volumes fell in several major markets outside Germany, creating a drag on expansion elsewhere.
Offshore Wind Expands Despite Grid Challenges
Offshore wind connections jumped to 2.1 GW in the first half of 2026, with Poland's Baltic Power project reaching a major milestone. The European reported that Northland Power and Poland's Orlen completed 1.2 GW of offshore capacity using 76 Vestas turbines, expected to finish by year-end. Poland holds a 49.9% stake in the joint venture.
Europe's total wind capacity hit 311 GW by mid-2026 across all markets. WindEurope projects the EU alone will reach about 436 GW by 2030, with wind providing roughly 27% of the bloc's electricity demand and strengthening energy resilience across the continent.
Ukraine and Greece Add Capacity Despite Headwinds
Ukraine installed over 400 MW of wind power in the first half of 2026 despite ongoing war, showing the sector's resilience. Greece added 321 MW, pushing its total capacity to about 6.02 GW. These gains underscore wind energy's importance for energy security across Europe.
WindEurope warned that sustaining growth requires decisive government action on permitting, grid connections, and electrification strategies. The sector noted that "Europe has never auctioned more new wind in a single year," but future momentum depends on whether policymakers back that momentum with concrete infrastructure and regulatory support.
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