Airborne Wind Europe welcomes the Clean Industrial Deal and the Action Plan for Affordable Energy, emphasizing the EU’s commitment to clean-tech innovation and decarbonisation. However, to fully harness innovative renewable technologies, Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) must be explicitly integrated into policy frameworks and funding mechanisms.
Kristian Petrick, Secretary General of Airborne Wind Europe, stated: “With the Commission’s Competitiveness Compass and, now, the Clean Industrial Deal, we are pleased to see innovation recognized as a key driver of European competitiveness. However, innovation must not become just a buzzword – we must ensure real, tangible support for innovative renewable energy technologies like Airborne Wind Energy, enabling them to scale and compete globally.”
AWE is driving clean-tech and industrial competitiveness
AWE is a breakthrough technology that can accelerate industrial transformation and decarbonisation. While Europe leads in AWE development, global competitors like China and the U.S. are advancing rapidly. To maintain leadership, the EU must integrate AWE into innovation frameworks and funding programs.
Circularity & climate targets
AWE aligns with the EU’s circularity goals, reducing material use and emissions. The 90% GHG reduction target for 2040 requires clear renewable energy targets, including iRETs like AWE, to ensure regulatory clarity and investment certainty.
Permitting & funding
We support streamlined permitting but urge the inclusion of AWE. Innovation-specific auctions and EU funding through Horizon Europe, the new Competitiveness Fund, the Innovation Fund and others, are crucial to scaling AWE technology, similar to support for other innovative renewables.
Ensuring fair industrial policy
The Clean Industry State Aid Framework must incorporate AWE to boost investor confidence and manufacturing capacity. National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) should also integrate innovative renewables to support strategic investments.
Call for action
To secure Europe’s clean-tech future, AWE must be explicitly recognised and supported within EU policies, permitting, and funding instruments to unlock its full potential.
About Airborne Wind Europe
Airborne Wind Europe represents the European AWE industry, advocating for a supportive regulatory framework.
Kristian Petrick, Secretary General of Airborne Wind Europe is available for interviews.
Please contact him at: kristian.petrick@airbornewindeurope.org
Media contact:
Jesús Carballo, Communications Manager of Airborne Wind Europe: jesus.carballo@airbornewindeurope.org
