The EU is set to hit record renewable energy installations in 2025, with estimations showing a record-breaking 89 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity. With 70GW of solar and 19GW of wind power, this increase is a significant step toward the EU’s climate goals of gradually eliminating Russian gas imports by 2027. Industry cautions, however, point to specific roadblocks that could sabotage this momentum, such as reductions in government assistance and ongoing permission delays.

Threatening Solar Surge

With an anticipated 70GW of new capacity, the EU is set to hit record renewable energy installations in 2025, and solar power is anticipated to lead the way, surpassing the 65.5GW built in 2024. This growth is essential for the EU to reach its 2030 green ambitions, which call for an average of 70 GW per year. However, the industry confronts challenges. Following France’s decision in February to limit feed-in-tariff support for rooftop solar panels, industry organization SolarPower Europe has hinted that it may lower its 2025 projection. The group’s CEO, Walburga Hemetsberger, expressed uncertainty about meeting the 70GW objective, saying, “Some big markets have taken significant steps back since the beginning of the year.” The slowdown is already noticeable: after a 50% spike in 2023, solar installation growth fell to just 4% in 2024. Prolonged permitting procedures, which can take years, make matters more difficult and run the risk of deterring investment and halting projects.

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Wind Power Increases Despite Obstacles

A record year for wind energy is also anticipated, with 19GW of additional capacity expected in 2025, up from 12.9GW in 2024. With a 35% growth over the previous year, the industry association WindEurope projected a somewhat lower but still strong 17.4GW for 2025. Diversifying the EU’s energy mix and lowering its dependency on fossil fuels depends on this increase. But the industry is not impervious to difficulties. Leading developer Orsted has identified supply chain interruptions and growing expenses as significant obstacles that could cause project expenditures to balloon and schedule delays. Wind projects are hampered by permitting delays, a problem that affects all renewable energy sources. Despite these challenges, the EU’s need to strengthen energy security and fulfill strict climate goals drives a significant push for wind power.

The EU is at a turning point in its goals for renewable energy. Although a strong commitment to green energy is indicated by the anticipated 89GW of new capacity in 2025, the road ahead is not without dangers. Systemic problems like supply chain problems and permit shortages require immediate attention, while policy reversals like France’s tariff cuts highlight how flimsy government backing is. The EU must address cost constraints, guarantee steady incentives, and simplify rules to maintain this growth. Failing to do so might put the bloc’s larger climate and energy security ambitions in danger, in addition to the 2025 commitments.

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