Wind energy capacity in Europe increased in the first half of 2026
New wind energy investments of 8.8 gigawatts commissioned across Europe in the first six months of the year and the country-by-country installation distributions have been announced.
A total of 8.8 gigawatts of new wind energy capacity was commissioned across Europe in the first half of 2026, while the region's total installed capacity exceeded 311 gigawatts.
New Installations and Country Distributions
A total of 8.8 gigawatts of new wind energy capacity was implemented in Europe in the first half of 2026, and 7 gigawatts of this capacity took place in the 27 European Union member countries.
Onshore wind energy power plants constituted 74% of the new installations, and the country that installed the most new capacity was Germany with 3.4 gigawatts.
Total Installed Capacity and the EU's Share
With the new investments made, Europe's total installed wind energy capacity exceeded 311 gigawatts.
270.5 gigawatts of the current capacity consisted of onshore wind energy projects, 40.9 gigawatts covered offshore systems, and the EU's total power exceeded 251 gigawatts.
Investment Decisions and Financing Details
It was reported that a final investment decision of approximately 9 billion euros was made for new wind power plants in Europe in the first half of the year.
While 7 billion euros in financing was provided for 4.5 gigawatts of capacity in onshore projects, 1.9 billion euros was committed for the offshore Nordlicht II project.
Turbine Orders and Tender Processes
New wind turbine orders of 10.6 gigawatts placed in Europe in the first six months of 2026 recorded a 12% decline compared to the same period of last year.
While 17.2 gigawatts of capacity was allocated through tenders in the same period, tenders for over 24 gigawatts of new capacity are planned to be held in the second half of the year.