In the first half of 2026, new wind power capacity in Europe reached 8.8 GW, up about 30% from the same period last year, according to WindEurope data.
This annual increase was driven by Germany as well as strong growth in offshore wind installations. New wind capacity additions in Germany accounted for 39% of Europe’s total for the first half of the year, or 3.4 GW.
By the end of June, there was 311 GW in installed wind power generation capacity on the continent.
The first-half 2026 figure compared with just 13 GW added throughout 2024, and 19.1 GW in 2025.
Government decisions on permitting, auctions, grids, and electrification in the coming months will make or break this momentum.
