The European Commission is preparing to set interim targets between 2024 and 2026 to highlighting the extra effort needed in the EU if wind-energy goals set for 2030 are to be achieved.

Brussels is currently preparing its preliminary version of a Wind Power Package, expected to be presented today.

Though still just a draft, the package, it has been indicated, will highlight that growth in Europe’s wind-energy sector is well behind schedule, as has been pointed out on a number of occasions by Brussels-based wind energy industry association WindEurope.

According to the draft of the wind power package, obtained by energypress, the European Commission will call on EU member states to commit, by the end of 2023, to specific wind-energy targets that offer clarity on what lies in store for the sector’s development over the next few years.

These commitments would be incorporated into the European Commission’s ambitious target of 111 GW in offshore wind farms across the EU by 2030, the draft plan notes.

The package also expects wind-energy additions to National Energy and Climate Plans.

The European Commission plans to deliver recommendations concerning licensing matters and long-term renewable energy planning in December, after having assessed National Energy and Climate Plans submitted by member states.

In doing so, Brussels will seek to encourage member states to reinforce and specify national plans, especially on matters concerning wind energy.

In Greece, ELETAEN, the Greek Wind Energy Association, had responded to the country’s revised NECP, published in the summer, by noting that onshore wind farm goals were greatly reduced.