EU industrialists call for accelerated deployment of wind power

The EU should accelerate the deployment of wind power to ensure the survival of the bloc’s industrial base. This is stated in a joint statement by organizations representing energy-intensive industries.

The signatories of the statement are WindEurope, the European Steel Association (EUROFER), the European Metal Association (Eurometaux), the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) and Cembureau, which represents the cement industry.

Wind already accounts for 20% of Europe’s electricity consumption and is therefore a strategic resource for European industry.

According to the statement, current European policy does not yet offer a favorable framework to help the region meet its needs. In recent years, energy-intensive industries have experienced an unprecedented decline in production due to the impact of the energy crisis. Addressing this challenge should be at the heart of a new industrial agreement for Europe, and the faster deployment of renewable energy sources will help reduce consumer energy bills.

The associations cite the following data from the International Energy Agency (IEA): without an increase in photovoltaic and wind capacity in 2021-2023, average wholesale electricity prices would be 3% higher in 2021, 8% higher in 2022, and 15% higher last year.

As noted, the combination of the EU Green Deal with the Industrial Agreement will enable industrialists to make the necessary investments for decarbonization while increasing competitiveness.

EUROFER Director General Axel Eggert notes that energy-intensive industries are essential for the competitiveness of Europe’s clean tech economy.

«In particular, wind and steel represent one of the most tangible examples of the decarbonization cycle: the steel industry needs large amounts of carbon-free electricity generated from renewable sources to produce clean steel. At the same time, a modern onshore wind turbine contains about 120 tons of steel per MW of power. Only the synergy between the EU Green Deal and the strategic Industrial Agreement will ensure the international competitiveness of all our key industries,» he explained.

Eurometaux CEO Guy Tiran noted that European metal producers depend on the supply of low-carbon electricity at globally competitive prices. In turn, they provide the wind industry with safe and sustainable strategic raw materials. Therefore, the sectors need a close partnership across the value chain to emerge stronger from this challenging period.

In February 2024, EU industry leaders representing nearly 20 sectors signed the Antwerp Declaration on the European Industrial Agreement. They called for action to restore competitiveness.