From sailing to electricity

In form of windmills or sailing boats, humans have used wind energy since centuries. Today, wind energy is a rapidly growing and important renewable energy source in Europe, playing a significant role in the region's transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon energy system. Countries across Europe have been investing heavily in wind power, both onshore and offshore, to harness the power of the wind and generate clean electricity.

In recent years, Europe has seen a substantial increase in the installation of wind turbines, with countries like Germany, Spain, the UK, and Denmark leading the way in wind energy capacity. Offshore wind farms, in particular, have seen significant growth, as they can capture stronger and more consistent winds compared to onshore sites.

What are the targets of the EU?

The European Union has set ambitious targets for renewable energy deployment, with a specific focus on wind power. The EU's Renewable Energy Directive aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the overall energy mix to 32% by 2030, with wind energy expected to play a key role in achieving this target. 

Advancements in wind turbine technology have also contributed to the growth of wind energy in Europe. Larger and more efficient turbines are being developed, allowing for increased energy production and cost reductions. Innovations in floating offshore wind technology are also opening up new possibilities for wind energy deployment in deeper waters.

Looking ahead, the future of wind energy in Europe looks promising. Continued investments in wind power, along with improvements in energy storage and grid integration, will help to overcome challenges related to the intermittent nature of wind energy. With a strong commitment to sustainability and climate action, Europe is well-positioned to further expand its use of wind energy and lead the way in the global transition to clean and renewable energy sources.

What is the future of wind energy?

However, in some countries there is an increasing problem with expanding wind power facilities, either because of local resistance against increased acoustic nuisances, or due to ecological considerations – especially protection of endangered birds, bats, or insects. 

Interestingly, the development of wind turbines is far from over, with countries like Spain, Turkey or Germany inventing new ways of utilizing the wind for energy generation. Some examples for this can be seen here:
Where bird protection is an important issue, one could use vortex systems like this one in Spain, where instead of rotors, vibrating pylons generate electricity.

Another interesting usage is this example from Turkey, where the wind generated by traffic is utilized next to highways. 


Even new offshore facilities look promising, like this example by the German startup skysails, which utilizes kites for energy production.