Europe installed over 17GW of wind in 2021, with the EU accounting for 11GW of this amount, according to WindEurope’s Annual Statistics 2021.
The study found the additional capacity in 2021 now takes Europe’s total installed capacity to 236GW.
The majority of new capacity, 81%, in Europe in 2021 was onshore wind, led by the UK, then Sweden, Germany, Turkey and the Netherlands.
Sweden built the most onshore wind; the UK built the most offshore wind.
The WindEurope Annual Statistics said the forecast for Europe to build on average 18GW a year of new wind farms over the next five years “is better than 2021” but the group also said it is “well below” how much wind the EU should be building to meet its 40% renewable energy target for 2030.
Three quarters of the new installations over 2022-26 will still be onshore wind.
Germany is expected to install the majority of new wind capacity over the next five years followed by the UK, France, Spain and Sweden.
Giles Dickson, WindEurope CEO, said: “Europe needs to act now to ensure its renewables ambitions can be delivered by European companies and European workers.
“The solutions are there: simplify permitting, boost innovation and ensure governments recognise and reward the value the European industry brings to society, the environment and the energy transition.”
The trade body stated: “The slow expansion rate is impacting on Europe’s wind energy supply chain.”
In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, WindEurope highlighted the “poor health” of the European wind energy industry.