Europe adds 8.8 GW wind in H1 2026, on track for 24 GW full-year record
WindEurope data show first-half installations running at a pace that would beat any previous annual total if sustained.
By Matthias Blank · drafted with the Vantage newsroom system, approved before publication
Europe installed 8.8 GW of wind capacity in the first half of 2026, according to WindEurope. The industry body projects 24 GW for the full year, a figure that would set a new annual record. The H1 run-rate implies a stronger second half is needed to hit the target, though WindEurope's full-year outlook signals confidence in the pipeline.
In the German zone, two offshore projects reached milestones. RWE reached the halfway point on turbine installation at Nordseecluster A, a 660 MW project, with 22 of 44 units now in place. Separately, the 300 MW Windanker farm began exporting power after 50Hertz completed final commissioning tests for the Ostwind 3 connection. Both projects add to the capacity base that underpins WindEurope's 2026 forecast.
Onshore, Vattenfall acquired a 43 MW site at Dittelsheim-Heßloch and Mettenheim in the German zone from ABO. Renews.biz notes the site could ultimately deliver up to 70 MW, suggesting further development headroom. Per Reuters and Renews.biz, the aggregate picture points to 2026 tracking toward WindEurope's projected 24 GW, which would be a record annual total for European wind additions.
Source: Reuters Energy
Photo by Visual Entity on Pexels.
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