Wind Energy: Key Driver of the Energy Transition in Europe
Wind energy already represents a 20% of the electricity consumed in Europe, consolidating itself as a solution clean, reliable and affordable compared to fossil fuels. This source is local which reinforces the energy security and independence from Europe. It's also scalable, which translates into more predictable costs for businesses and consumers.
Origins and evolution of wind energy
The history of wind power dates back to the antique, when it was already used to propel ships, grind grain, and pump water. Mills for extracting water existed in China as early as 200 BC, and vertical-axis mills with woven reed sails were used in Persia. The leap into electricity generation began in the 19th century, with key figures such as Charles F. Brush, who built the first wind turbine, and Albert Betz, who in 1919 established the theoretical foundations of modern wind energy.
Today, wind power is a source clean, inexhaustible and sustainable that reduces the carbon footprint. Wind turbines They do not generate CO2 emissions nor contaminants during its operation. Its efficiency is high, with a useful life of 20 to 25 years and up to a 90% of its recyclable materialsAs a local energy source, wind power is a key strategic asset driving Europe's global independence. In 2024, it avoided the import of 100 billion cubic meters of fossil fuels, thus reducing external energy dependence. Annually, wind power avoids the emission of 118 million tons of CO2 to the atmosphere.
Global trends, the role of Europe and the EU
In 2024, global installed capacity reached 1 TW (1.132 GW). China is the undisputed market leader, monopolizing the 51% of global wind power, while the United States is in second place with 16%.
Europe maintains a fundamental role with an installed capacity of 285 GWWithin Europe, Germany leads the installed capacity with the 26% of the total, followed by the United Kingdom and Spain (11% each). Regarding the share of wind energy in the electricity mix, Denmark leads the list with a 56% of its electrical demand with wind.
The European Union has set clear goals: the binding objective for 2030 is that at least 42,5% of gross final energy consumption comes from renewable sources, with the aim of reaching 45%. To achieve this, it is expected to incorporate 140 GW of new wind power between 2025 and 2030, reaching a total capacity of 351 GW in 2030. Member countries aspire to install between 86 and 89 GW of offshore wind power by 2030, and reach between 356-366 GW by 2050, strengthening the commitment to transform the renewable sector and European energy independence.
Spain has an installed capacity of 31.6 GW by the end of 2024. Currently, there are 47 provinces in Spain with wind generation, of which 20 generate more than 1 TWh of electricity thanks to wind. Castilla y León is the region with the largest installed wind infrastructure (7.1 GW). At the provincial level, Zaragoza maintains its leadership in generation, contributing more than 14% of Spanish wind power production, which demonstrates the maturity of the national industry.
Audax Renovables: renewable energy generation
Audax Renovables contributes its grain of sand by generating renewable energy through its wind farms in France (12 MW wind power in operation), Poland (34 MW wind power in operation), Panama* (66 MW of wind power in operation) and Spain (45 MW of wind power in operation). It also generates renewable energy through its photovoltaic plants in Italy, Spain, and Portugal. This adds up to total project portfolio of 1GWOf these, 680 MWp are in a very advanced stage of processing, 32 MWp are under construction, and another 325 MW are in operation.
Wind energy continues to consolidate its position as a key driver of decarbonization and energy security at the global and European levels. The support of countries, industries, and companies like Audax Renovables is essential for wind energy to continue being a driver of sustainable growth and a guarantee of a more secure and affordable energy future.
* In Panama, Audax maintains a stake in 30%..
