Europe is on track for a record year in wind power installations after adding 8.8 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity in the first half of 2026, a 30 per cent increase compared with the same period last year, according to WindEurope.

The newly installed turbines can generate enough electricity to power around 7 million European households and could replace fossil fuel imports equivalent to 25 liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers annually.

Germany led the expansion, accounting for 3.4 GW, or around 40 percent, of the new capacity. More than 500 wind turbines were commissioned in the country, including 423 onshore and 84 offshore installations.

Belgium added a further 60 megawatts (MW).

WindEurope forecasts another 24 GW of wind capacity to be installed across Europe this year, with summer traditionally seeing the highest level of installation activity.

 The organisation expects annual additions to reach 30 GW by the 2030s.

However, WindEurope warned that structural challenges remain, with permitting continuing to be the sector’s main obstacle.

While Germany has significantly increased capacity, permitting volumes are declining in key markets including Spain, France, the UK, Italy and Ireland.

"2026 may well be a record wind year. But we can’t take that momentum for granted. Just when we need wind the most to boost Europe’s economic resilience, permitting volumes are down in key markets. Government decisions on permitting, auctions, grids and electrification in the coming months will make or break this momentum”, said Tinne Van der Straeten, CEO of WindEurope. -OGN/TradeArabia News Service