WindEurope Bulletin
December 2025
10 December 2025
Parting words to WindEurope members from the CEO
WindEurope Intelligence Platform
Delivering a cost-effective energy system for Europe
Europe is just 25 years from its net-zero climate goal, and the path to 2050 will depend on technology choices, costs, and societal decisions. The key factor here is the total energy system cost – investments in electricity generation, hydrogen production, transport and storage networks. Plus the societal costs of shifting to electricity and hydrogen, capturing remaining emissions, and meeting residual oil and gas needs.
This study looks at four pathways to net-zero and a fifth where Europe falls short. It shows that renewables—already the cheapest source of electricity—are the most affordable option for Europe in the years ahead – factoring in grids, storage, and backup, minimising reliance on imported fuels.
What do we do with old wind turbine blades?
Sustainability has always been part of wind energy’s DNA. Our turbines have near-zero water consumption, minimal environmental footprint, and a short energy payback time.
Today, around 90% of a turbine’s mass is recyclable. But we need to go even further. We’ve committed to a Europe-wide landfill ban on decommissioned wind turbine blades – making sure they’re reused, repurposed, recycled, or recovered within Europe. And we’re not just talking about it – we’re making it happen.
The WE team has visited pioneering companies turning this vision into a reality:
- Recyclers giving a second life to old blades;
- Refurbishers putting turbines back on the second-hand market; and
- Designers and innovators transforming blades into urban furniture and creative new objects.
The message is clear: turbine blades can have a sustainable end-of-life – and it’s happening today.
Take a look at our Circularity page on the WindEurope website. It’s a one-stop space looking at our industry’s progress. Get in touch with us here to share your stories too!
Members’ Successes
Freeport of Riga Advances Development of Kundziņsala Wind Hub, a Strategic Industrial Centre for Europe’s Wind Technology Supply Chain
The Freeport of Riga Authority is moving forward with the development of a large-scale industrial zone in Kundziņsala – the new Riga Industrial Center – designed to support the production, logistics, and export of offshore and onshore wind turbine components. The project represents one of the most ambitious port-driven industrial developments in the Baltic Sea region and is part of Latvia’s broader commitment to strengthening Europe’s renewable energy supply chains.
The Port of Riga is currently preparing for the construction of high-capacity infrastructure in Kundziņsala, including a high-load (25t/m²) 290 m long deep-sea quay with a RoRo ramp, extensive high-load (25t/m²) logistics and storage areas, and new road, rail, water, sewage and electricity infrastructure. The new facilities will enable efficient handling of oversized cargo, reduce production-to-export lead times, and provide manufacturers with direct access to key markets in Northern Europe. The port offers more than 70ha of land linked to new port infrastructure for private development of manufacturing facilities. The project is co-funded by the European Union under the STEP Regulation, reflecting its strategic importance for the EU’s clean technology ecosystem.
In 2025, the Freeport of Riga launched the first round of an international selection process to attract manufacturers of wind turbine components interested in long-term leases of new purpose-built port infrastructure and industrial land. Several companies are expressing interest and entering the contract negotiation phase, however a new selection process for the remaining available territories and port capacity will be announced shortly. With additional land still available, the Freeport of Riga is continuing to hold targeted discussions with international manufacturers of blades, towers, foundations, nacelle components, and other specialised technologies.
The development of the Kundzinsala Wind Hub supports Latvia’s ambitions to become a competitive Northern European hub for green industry, innovation, and logistics. The site offers multimodal connectivity, including direct access to deep-sea shipping routes, rail transport corridors, and the regional road network. Latvia’s supportive investment framework for large-scale industrial projects, combined with an experienced industrial workforce, further strengthens the location’s competitiveness.
Webinars
Europe’s Wind Energy Workforce – Analysis and Outlook
WindEurope’s new Europe’s Wind Workforce Report gives the most detailed picture yet of wind energy employment data. The focus is not just on how many people work in wind energy, but which skills will be critical to meeting Europe’s wind ambitions.
Join our webinar on Monday 15 December to explore how we built this analysis, what the data tells us, and why it matters. Accurate workforce data is essential to help us shape policy, guide investment, and ensure the right skills are available where and when they’re needed.
You’ll also get a sneak peek into our upcoming Workforce Tool on the WindEurope Intelligence Platform – allowing users to filter data by country, job family, and profession to build tailored workforce analyses.
Register nowEvents
Technology Workshop 2026: Call for abstracts open!
WindEurope’s annual workshop on resource assessment and operating wind farm analysis is back on 11-12 June 2026 in Rotterdam! But first, we need your input…
What are we looking for?
- Stick to prescribed topics to ensure correct scoring.
- New, unpublished data-driven research that boosts sector knowledge.
- Keep abstracts non-commercial and under 500 words.
The deadline is 30 January 2026 – but the earlier the submission the better! We hope to hear from you soon!
WindEurope’s Annual Event – Book your stand while you can!
The European wind industry is heading to Madrid this April – with 500+ exhibitors expected. Just 15% of exhibition stands are still available – so book yours now to avoid disappointment!
You’ll have the chance to meet and showcase your profile to thousands of visitors and potential clients – all under one roof. New up-and-coming players in the industry can also book pods at the Startup Pavilion – spotlighting your fresh talent to the wider sector.
