On 8 December 2025 WindEurope published a major new study done, in cooperation with Hitachi Energy, titled “Delivering a cost-effective energy system for Europe”.
The study provides a comprehensive comparison of five long-term energy scenarios for Europe – four pathways that achieve net-zero emissions and one slow transition scenario where climate targets are not met. It shows that:
- Renewables are the most cost-effective choice: even after accounting for grid expansion, storage, and backup capacity, a renewables-based energy system remains the lowest-cost solution, delivering cumulative savings of up to 1.6 trillion EUR by 2050 compared with a slow transition, primarily through reduced fuel and carbon costs.
- Short- and medium-term benefits: By 2035, the renewables scenario is already projected to save 331 billion EUR compared to slower climate action.
- Comparison with other net-zero pathways: Scenarios relying more heavily on nuclear, hydrogen, or carbon capture and storage are more costly than a renewables-based system. By 2050, the additional costs of these scenarios range from 487 billion to 860 billion EUR.
- Energy security and resilience: A renewables-centred system would reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels — only 22 % of energy supply in 2050 would come from fuel imports, compared to 54 % in the slow transition path.
- Jobs and economic impact: The study forecasts significant employment growth in the renewable energy sector, with the wind industry alone projected to employ 600,000 people by 2030.
This analysis underscores that the ambitious deployment of renewable energy is not only essential for meeting Europe’s climate goals, but also economically sound and strategically vital for energy security and competitiveness. Delaying the energy transition would mean foregoing very substantial economic and societal benefits.
>> The full report is available windeurope.org
