The European Commission identifies offshore wind repowering as a key measure to enhance energy security and decrease reliance on fossil fuel imports in its AccelerateEU strategy.
The strategy, announced on April 22, highlights rapid repowering of large renewable assets, including offshore wind farms, to swiftly increase generation capacity without new infrastructure.
AccelerateEU responds to rising energy import costs due to geopolitical tensions, with the EU spending an extra EUR 24 billion on fossil fuel imports amid Middle East conflicts. The strategy seeks to offer short-term relief and long-term solutions to reduce exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets.
In addition to repowering, the Commission plans to expedite electrification in industry, transport, and buildings, with an Electrification Action Plan set for release by summer. This plan will establish targets and address barriers to broad electrification.
The strategy stresses strengthening Europe’s grid infrastructure, including swift implementation of existing laws and progress on the European Grids Package.
Furthermore, proposals on network charges and taxation will be introduced, ensuring electricity is taxed less than fossil fuels.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stated: “The choices we make today will shape our ability to face the challenges of today and the crises of tomorrow. Our AccelerateEU strategy will bring both immediate and more structural relief measures to European citizens and businesses. We must accelerate the shift to homegrown, clean energies. This will give us energy independence and security, and mean we are better able to weather geopolitical storms.”
The strategy aims to improve system resilience by enhancing coordination among Member States on energy security, including gas storage refilling and potential emergency oil stock releases. A new Fuel Observatory will monitor fuel production, imports, exports, and stock levels across the EU.
For consumers, the Commission suggests temporary measures like targeted income support, energy vouchers, and reduced electricity taxes for vulnerable households. A State Aid Temporary Framework will enable government support for affected industries.
AccelerateEU also aims to mobilize clean energy investment, leveraging existing EU funding instruments such as the Recovery and Resilience Facility and cohesion funds. To attract private capital, a Clean Energy Investment Strategy has been adopted, along with plans for a Clean Energy Investment Summit.
These measures will be discussed by EU leaders at the Informal European Council in Cyprus on April 23-24, as part of the bloc’s response to ongoing energy and geopolitical challenges.
Commenting on the new strategy, WindEurope CEO, Tinne van der Straeten said: “Electrification is a strategic imperative for Europe’s independence, security, and prosperity. It needs to happen immediately and at scale. We must make homegrown electricity the cheapest option. This means cutting VAT and taxes and on heat pumps, electric vehicles and other electrification technologies. It means addressing the low hanging fruit in low- and medium temperature heat processes. AccelerateEU is bold political leadership in a time of crisis.”
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