Credit: WindEurope<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFinancial backing: The role of the European Investment Bank<\/h3>\n The European Investment Bank (EIB) has been a vital partner in supporting Europe\u2019s wind energy sector, according to WindEurope.<\/p>\n
The EIB\u2019s \u20ac5bn counter-guarantee facility, which was established as part of the Wind Power Package, is designed to encourage private investment in the wind supply chain.<\/p>\n
A recent milestone was the activation of a \u20ac500m counter-guarantee deal with Deutsche Bank, part of a larger \u20ac1bn portfolio aimed at supporting wind energy investments.<\/p>\n
WindEurope has also highlighted the EIB\u2019s \u20ac450m loan to Prysmian, a cable manufacturer, as a significant step toward expanding production capacity in key European factories. This expansion is essential to meet the offshore wind industry\u2019s increasing demand for cables.<\/p>\n
Additionally, the EIB has provided a \u20ac35m loan to Haizea, a Spanish wind component manufacturer, to support the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies.<\/p>\n
Challenges on the horizon: Addressing unfair competition<\/h3>\n Despite these positive developments, WindEurope has raised concerns about the challenges posed by unfair competition from Chinese wind turbine manufacturers.<\/p>\n
Chinese turbines, which are being offered in Europe at prices 30-50% lower than European-made turbines, present a significant threat to the competitiveness of Europe\u2019s wind industry.<\/p>\n
These turbines often come with deferred payment terms, making them even more attractive to buyers but difficult for European manufacturers to match under existing OECD rules.<\/p>\n
WindEurope has called for urgent action to address these issues, warning that the influx of cheaper Chinese turbines could undermine the growth and sustainability of Europe\u2019s wind sector.<\/p>\n
In response, the European Commission has launched an inquiry into the practices of Chinese manufacturers under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation.<\/p>\n
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also pledged to introduce a Clean Industrial Deal early in her second term to tackle these challenges.<\/p>\n
Member States\u2019 commitment to implementing the Wind Power Package<\/h3>\n WindEurope has commended the 26 EU member states that have endorsed the European Wind Charter and committed to implementing the actions outlined in the Wind Power Package.<\/p>\n
These commitments are translating into tangible progress, with member states taking steps to improve auction designs, streamline permitting processes, and support infrastructure investments.<\/p>\n
Countries like Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, and Spain have seen increased permitting activity thanks to recent legal reforms.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, regulators in Austria, France, Ireland, and Italy have adjusted auction prices to reflect the rising costs faced by the wind industry.<\/p>\n
WindEurope stresses that continued commitment from member states is essential to ensure that Europe\u2019s wind industry can meet its manufacturing capacity and energy security targets.<\/a><\/p>\nWindEurope\u2019s campaign to support the wind supply chain<\/h3>\n WindEurope is set to launch a dedicated campaign to showcase the benefits of Europe\u2019s wind supply chain.<\/p>\n
This initiative will involve site visits across Europe, with WindEurope representatives highlighting the innovation and dedication driving the industry forward. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the crucial role that the wind supply chain plays in Europe\u2019s energy transition and to advocate for continued investment and policy support.<\/p>\n
As Europe strives to meet its renewable energy targets, WindEurope\u2019s efforts to strengthen the wind supply chain will be vital.<\/p>\n
With the right strategies and support in place, Europe has the potential to lead the world in wind energy, securing a sustainable and prosperous future for its citizens.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
WindEurope explains why action is necessary to meet Europe\u2019s ambitious renewable energy targets and support the wind energy supply chain.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":50250,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24204],"tags":[628,622],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
WindEurope highlights progress in Europe\u2019s wind supply chain<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n