The majority of European Union member states have signed a wind charter and agreed to accelerate the expansion of offshore capacities.
The EU wants to accelerate the expansion of wind energy at sea. By 2030, 111 GW are to be installed off the coasts of the member states. This is almost double the 2020 strategy (60 GW). The target for 2050 has been raised to around 317 GW. [ds_preview]
Concrete offshore targets set
At the latest meeting of the Energy Council in Brussels, a majority of member states and representatives of around 300 companies signed a European Wind Charter, including Germany. Concrete commitments for the expansion of wind power over the next three years were also presented by 21 member states.
The charter is reportedly one of the 15 measures set out in the European Wind Energy Action Plan (part of the European Wind Energy Package) in October. Its aim is to coordinate all expansion activities and implement them swiftly.
Although the commitments made by the member states are voluntary and not legally binding, they provide a clear perspective on the development of offshore wind energy in Europe.