© Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy; data from European Wind Energy Association, Observ’ER

Leading wind power in Europe

The energy transition has boosted the use of wind energy. Almost one third of the total EU wide capacity is installed in Germany. Spain and the United Kingdom are in second and third place.

Germany is clearly in the lead when it comes to the level of installed wind energy capacity in individual Member States of the European Union. Almost 45,000 megawatts (MW) of the EU-wide capacity of around 142,000 MW that was installed by the end of 2015 is located in Germany. This is a share of 32 per cent. Spain follows with around 23,000 MW (16 per cent) in second place, the United Kingdom in third with around 13,600 MW (10 per cent).

Germany was also leading in the growth of wind turbines in the EU last year. A total of 46 per cent of the 12,800 MW of newly installed wind power capacity came from new installations in Germany. This was followed by Poland, with just under 10 per cent, France, with just under 9 per cent, and the United Kingdom with just under 8 per cent.

Wind energy covers 11 per cent of electricity consumption in the EU

Wind turbines in the EU generated a combined total of more than 300 terawatt hours of electricity in 2015 and therefore covered around 11 per cent of the total electricity consumption.Germany is clearly in the lead when it comes to the level of installed wind energy capacity in individual Member States of the European Union. Almost 45,000 megawatts (MW) of the EU-wide capacity of around 142,000 MW that was installed by the end of 2015 is located in Germany. This is a share of 32 per cent. Spain follows with around 23,000 MW (16 per cent) in second place, the United Kingdom in third with around 13,600 MW (10 per cent).

Germany was also leading in the growth of wind turbines in the EU last year. A total of 46 per cent of the 12,800 MW of newly installed wind power capacity came from new installations in Germany. This was followed by Poland, with just under 10 per cent, France, with just under 9 per cent, and the United Kingdom with just under 8 per cent.

Wind energy covers 11 per cent of electricity consumption in the EU

Wind turbines in the EU generated a combined total of more than 300 terawatt hours of electricity in 2015 and therefore covered around 11 per cent of the total electricity consumption.