A look back at WindEurope 2025

From April 8 to 10, the WindEurope trade fair took place in Copenhagen. Organized by the European Wind Energy Association, this annual event is a must for the wind energy sector, both onshore and offshore.

The event

This year, WindEurope was held in Copenhagen, Denmark, a country that is truly committed to wind energy. It is currently the only European country to produce more than half of its electricity from wind energy. Up to 55% to be precise. A fine example of energy transition!

No fewer than 15,000 visitors attended this must-see exhibition, meeting with more than 550 companies in the sector. Once again, WindEurope highlighted the latest advances in the onshore and offshore wind energy sector.

Focus on 2030: innovations and logistical challenges

With the 2030 target in sight, exhibitors and speakers presented the latest technological advances and deployment strategies to accelerate the European energy transition. Two themes stood out in particular this year: integration into the electricity grid and innovation in sustainable materials.

But beyond technology, logistics was also a hot topic of discussion. In fact, 60% of stakeholders reported delays related to supply chains, a figure that illustrates the current limitations in the face of increasingly large components, particularly for offshore wind power. The need for suitable infrastructure, whether port or road, was widely emphasized.

A European fleet under consideration

The subject of offshore logistics was also central. In response to growing demand, the possibility of a European fleet of ships specializing in the installation of offshore wind turbines was raised. This would be a way to better plan intervention windows and avoid bottlenecks.

Supply chain and cybersecurity: vigilance required

The supply chain, already under pressure, faces international uncertainties: unstable steel markets, availability of rare earths, geopolitical tensions… all issues that highlight the need to strengthen the sector’s resilience.

Another point of attention is cybersecurity. An immersive workshop, “Cybersecurity roleplay,” allowed participants to test their skills and reactions to a simulated attack on a wind farm. This was a practical exercise, in line with the position paper “A cybersecurity framework fit for wind energy” published in 2022.

Regulations need to be streamlined

As at every edition, professionals reiterated the importance of administrative and regulatory simplification, particularly with regard to obtaining permits, which still vary too widely across Europe. Harmonization of procedures is expected to give the sector a real boost.

Added to this is a clear demand: not to reduce public investment, particularly in the development and modernization of electricity grids, which are essential for achieving European targets.

Focus on research: inspiring projects

Finally, WindEurope 2025 highlighted the work of the scientific community through its poster competition.

Congratulations to the winners:

• Ane Ugena (Saitec): “Bird monitoring in DemoSATH LAB,” on the coexistence of wildlife and wind power.
• Dalina Vecchi (PEAK Wind): “Floating Wind Maintenance: Data-Driven Insights for Major Component Replacement (MCR),” on the maintenance of floating structures.
• Marten de Vries (Vattenfall): “Solving intermittency – designing renewable energy plants for a 24/7 constant power output,” on the continuity of renewable production.