2020 Wind Energy Success Stories

Introduction

2020 was a year like no other. It provided us with both personal and professional challenges that we’ve never faced before. But the wind industry rose to those challenges.

Whether they be delivering turbines to projects under construction, continuing to make important investment decisions, providing key maintenance of existing assets or manufacturing critical components for the continued operation of the industry, our community has ensured that our role in driving the energy transition has continued throughout these difficult times.

From right across our industry we’ve heard stories of personal sacrifice and leadership such as turbine maintenance technicians having to self-isolate from their family in order to provide essential services and companies stepping up to deliver key infrastructure on time. It has undoubtedly been a difficult year.

Normal life may be on hold but the wind keeps blowing, our turbines keep turning and our industry continues to power Europe with clean electricity. Wind now accounts for 16% of the electricity mix in Europe and the industry continues to respond to the ambitious targets set out in the European Green Deal.

Looking ahead the industry has achieved a number of key policy wins this year which include the Offshore Renewable Energy Strategy that sets out the plan to increase Europe’s offshore wind capacity from 12 GW to 60GW by 2030 and to 300GW by 2050, the EU recovery funding allocating 37% of total spending to green projects, and the energy system integration and hydrogen strategies which recognise the key role of direct electrification and renewable hydrogen in decarbonising our economy. All of this means Europe is banking on wind to help drive the recovery and deliver climate neutrality.

It’s important to look back at what we achieved in 2020 with pride and to celebrate some of the success stories from across the wind industry.

This is our industry. And these are our success stories. Share your success story?