Europe Identifies Wind Energy as Strategic Sector Under New Industrial Accelerator Act

The European Commission has unveiled its Industrial Accelerator Act, a new policy framework aimed at strengthening Europe’s economic competitiveness and accelerating domestic clean-technology manufacturing. 

The initiative places wind energy at the centre of Europe’s industrial and energy strategy, recognising the sector as critical to reducing reliance on fossil fuel imports and enhancing energy security.

The move comes amid renewed volatility in global energy markets, with European natural gas prices rising by more than 40 percent since 28 February following the escalation in the Middle East, highlighting the region’s continued exposure to geopolitical disruptions.

Wind Energy Identified as Strategic Industry

Under the newly proposed legislation, wind energy has been formally identified as a strategic clean technology sector essential for Europe’s long-term economic resilience and energy independence.

Tinne van der Straeten, CEO of WindEurope, said, “The EU has rightly identified wind energy as a strategic sector: industrial leadership in wind is in Europe’s strategic interest. We welcome this important political signal. Now, a simple and harmonised implementation of the new rules is crucial.”

Europe’s wind industry currently operates around 250 factories across the wind energy value chain, and contributes €54 billion to Europe’s GDP.

However, policymakers emphasised that maintaining global supply chain integration remains essential for sustaining the industry’s competitiveness and enabling large-scale deployment of wind power.

Cybersecurity and Strategic Supply Chains

One of the key elements of the Industrial Accelerator Act is the introduction of new non-price criteria in wind energy auctions. While cost competitiveness will remain important, future auctions will also consider broader strategic factors.

The European Commission proposes that all wind project auctions include cybersecurity pre-qualification requirements, reflecting growing concerns over infrastructure security in the current geopolitical climate.

In addition, the policy framework highlights the importance of cooperation with trusted international partners in building resilient clean technology supply chains.

According to van der Straeten, “The EU cannot go it alone when it comes to manufacturing clean technology cost competitively. Going forward, it’s important to ensure that trusted partners like the UK are treated on a par with EU countries. This will be very important to the success of this industrial strategy.”

Wind Industry Investment and Capacity Growth

The wind industry continues to expand rapidly across Europe as part of the region’s electrification strategy. In 2025 alone, the sector invested approximately €45 billion in new wind projects, many of which are expected to come online over the next several years.

According to WindEurope’s latest outlook, Europe is projected to add 151 GW of new wind power capacity by 2030, significantly expanding the role of wind energy in the continent’s power mix.

Industry leaders say the Industrial Accelerator Act could help sustain this momentum by strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities and supporting large-scale deployment of renewable energy.

Call for Harmonised Implementation

WindEurope warned that inconsistent national interpretations could lead to fragmented regulations, increasing administrative complexity and raising project costs.

To avoid this, the organisation has urged EU co-legislators and national governments to adopt clear, simple rules and ensure consistent application across Europe.