Existing offshore wind farms will play a role in the European Commission’s new AccelerateEU strategy, announced on 22 April to strengthen energy security and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.
The Commission identified rapid repowering of large renewable assets, including offshore wind farms, as a practical way to expand generation capacity without constructing entirely new infrastructure. The measure forms part of a broader response to rising fossil fuel import costs linked to geopolitical tensions.
The EU has incurred an additional EUR 24 billion in fossil fuel import costs following the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. AccelerateEU is designed to provide both short-term relief and longer-term structural adjustments to the energy system.
The strategy includes plans to accelerate electrification across industry, transport and buildings. An Electrification Action Plan, scheduled for release this summer, will define targets and address deployment barriers.
Grid infrastructure development is also a central component. The Commission aims to advance existing legislation and the European Grids Package, alongside proposals on network charges and taxation. A key objective is to ensure electricity is taxed at a lower rate than fossil fuels.
Additional measures include stronger coordination on gas storage refilling, potential emergency releases of oil stocks, and the establishment of a Fuel Observatory to monitor fuel production, imports, exports and stock levels.
On the consumer side, the Commission outlined temporary support options such as targeted income assistance, energy vouchers and reduced electricity taxes for vulnerable households. A State Aid Temporary Framework will provide flexibility for governments to support exposed industries.
The strategy also seeks to mobilise investment in clean energy through existing EU funding instruments, supported by a Clean Energy Investment Strategy and a planned Clean Energy Investment Summit.
EU leaders are set to discuss the proposals at the Informal European Council in Cyprus on 23–24 April.
WindEurope CEO Tinne van der Straeten said electrification is essential for Europe’s independence, security and prosperity, adding that domestically produced electricity should become the most cost-competitive option.
