WIND ENERGY: DATA AND TRENDS 2024

Wind energy represents one of the main sources of the transition to a sustainable energy system. In recent years, the growth of the wind energy sector has been supported by technological innovations, favorable policies, and increased awareness regarding environmental and economic benefits. This article analyzes the growth of the wind energy sector in Europe and Italy, with a special focus on the Beleolian wind farm in Taranto.

Table of Contents:

1. WIND SECTOR GROWTH IN EUROPE
2. THE MOST LEADING COUNTRIES ON WIND POWER
3. THE WIND FARM BELE WIND FARM OF TARANTO
4. CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
5. TOWARDS THE FUTURE

1. GROWTH OF THE WIND POWER SECTOR IN EUROPE

Wind energy is emerging as one of the pillars of Europe’s energy transition, thanks to a combination of favorable policies, significant investment and technological innovation. In 2023, the European Union saw a record increase in installed wind capacity, up 15 percent from the previous year. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), by 2024, wind power will represent a significant part of the EU’s energy mix, contributing more than 40 percent of total annual electricity generation in countries such as Spain, Germany and Ireland (Energy Italy).

Data from the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) report show that wind energy avoided the emission of about 220 million tons of CO2 in 2023, contributing significantly to the EU’s climate goals. In addition, the European wind industry has created more than 300,000 direct and indirect jobs, demonstrating the sector’s positive impact on the economy (Renewables) (Energeek).

According to the IEA, the future of the European wind industry will depend on the ability of governments to continue to support favorable policies and overcome challenges related to supply chains and feedstock costs. The IEA report “Net Zero by 2050” stresses the importance of continued investment in grid infrastructure and energy storage technologies to effectively integrate variable renewables into national energy systems (Energy Italy) (Renewables).

This confirms that wind energy in Europe is in a phase of rapid expansion, with future prospects indicating continued and sustained growth. The sector is set to play a crucial role in achieving the EU’s climate goals and building a more sustainable and resilient energy system.

2. LEADING COUNTRIES ON WIND POWER.

• In Germany, the government has set ambitious targets to increase installed wind capacity to 100 GW by 2030, up from the current 60 GW.This goal will be achieved through a mix of expansion of existing onshore wind farms and the development of new offshore projects in the Baltic and North Seas. The country is also investing in advanced technologies to improve the efficiency and durability of wind turbines.
• Spain, which currently holds second place in Europe for installed wind capacity, has announced plans to increase its capacity to 50 GW by 2030. This will be facilitated by a series of public auctions that provide incentives for new wind farms. In addition, Spain is exploring the potential of offshore wind, with several pilot projects under development along the Atlantic coast (Energy Italy).
• The United Kingdom continues to be a world leader in offshore wind, with an installed capacity of more than 10 GW and projects underway that could increase this figure to 40 GW by 2030.
  UK offshore wind farms provided more than 30 percent of the country’s electricity generation in the first six months of 2024, setting a new record for renewable energy generation (Renewables).
• Another example of impressive growth is France, which recently concluded its first offshore wind auction, awarding projects with a total capacity of 1 GW.This marks an important step forward for France, which aims to diversify its energy mix and reduce dependence on nuclear power (Renewables).

3. THE TARANTO BELEOLIC MARINE PARK

The Taranto Beleolic Marine Park, due to open in 2022, represents the first offshore wind farm in Italy and the Mediterranean Sea. The project, implemented by Renexia, involves the installation of ten wind turbines with an annual production capacity of more than 58,000 MWh (Energeek). This plant, known as Beleolico, is a significant example of the potential of offshore wind power in Italy. Beleolico’s turbines are capable of powering about 18,500 homes, contributing significantly to the reduction of CO2 emissions.

4. CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Despite growth, the wind power sector faces significant challenges. Among these, difficulties in supply chains are a major problem. Rising raw material prices are negatively affecting the profitability and speed of new plant development (Energy Italy). The commodity crisis has been exacerbated by global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, which have further complicated supply dynamics.

Policy support is crucial to overcome the challenges of the wind sector. Well-structured supportive policies, along with favorable regulation, can facilitate industry growth and promote further investment. The International Energy Agency suggests some best practices for governments, including the ability to adapt to changing market conditions and timely planning of grid investments (Energy Italy). In Italy, simplification of bureaucratic processes could accelerate the development of new wind farms, taking full advantage of the country’s potential.

5.TOWARDS THE FUTURE

Wind energy is a key component of the global energy transition.In Europe, the sector’s growth is driven by favorable policies, technological innovations, and economic and environmental benefits.In Italy, the Beleolian wind farm in Taranto demonstrates the potential of offshore wind, while new projects point to a promising way forward for the sector.However, to fully exploit this potential, it is essential to address supply chain challenges and improve the regulatory framework. With continued efforts, wind energy can contribute significantly to a sustainable energy future.