Can wind energy deliver a stable power supply?

To limit the worst impacts of global warming and ensure energy security, countries all over the world develop energy roadmaps grounded in widely available, reliable and zero-emission technologies. [1] Wind power is one of several renewable energy sources that contribute to a balanced energy mix. It can be seamlessly integrated into the transmission system, ensuring no disruption while providing clean, renewable power.

The demand is served with a diverse energy mix

Electricity supply must constantly match demand, as it cannot yet be stored in large quantities. Wind energy is one of several sources used to meet this demand.

This example from a Spanish system operator shows how various energy sources are layered to meet daily demand peaks, with wind (in light blue) contributing based on its availability. The mix of energy sources depends on policy and economic factors.

Integrating wind power with the grid

Electricity supply must constantly match demand, as it cannot yet be stored in large quantities. Wind energy is one of several sources used to meet this demand.

There are great benefits to coupling wind energy with other renewable energy sources. By combining wind power with other sources like solar and hydro, the grid can maintain a stable supply of electricity due to different operating profiles. Energy storage solutions, such as batteries, are expected to play a crucial role in balancing supply and demand, storing excess energy when wind conditions are favorable and releasing it when needed.

A set of studies in Denmark and Europe analyzed grid stability with renewable energy sources across electricity, heating and transportation sectors. These studies consistently found that renewable energy, combined with storage, district heating, and other efficiency measures, can meet demand without relying on nuclear power, natural gas or fossil fuels with carbon capture. [2]

How wind energy works

Wind energy is generated by converting wind into electricity using wind turbines. The electricity generated from wind power can vary at different times, such as hourly, daily or seasonally.

1. Wind is caused

by the sun’s uneven heating of the atmosphere, the Earth’s irregular surface, and its rotation. Air moves because of temperature differences, with cold air being heavier than warm air.

2. Wind generates

enough kinetic energy every 24 hours to produce approximately 35 times more electricity than what human activities use daily. Unlike coal or oil, this resource is completely renewed each day.

3. To determine wind speeds and directions

Vestas takes millions of atmospheric observations daily worldwide. This helps us choose the best locations for our wind turbines.

Making wind reliable

Modern wind turbines use sophisticated technology to optimise performance even with variable wind speeds, while advanced forecasting techniques improve grid stability by accurately predicting wind patterns.

Wind developers can confidently anticipate “when” and “how much” energy will be available using sophisticated monitoring and wind resource analysis tools, ensuring reliable integration into the electric grid.Scheduled servicing of wind turbines is performed during periods of lower wind production to ensure optimal power generation. Think of it like the servicing of a car – these services are crucial for the efficient operation and longevity of the turbines.

 

Denmark’s green transition

Wind energy has proven to be a reliable component of many power grids worldwide. In Denmark, for example, wind power accounted for over 57% of the electricity generation in 2025. [3]

Bioenergy ranked second, with a share of 21%. As one of the countries that supplies most of its energy from renewable sources, Denmark continues to lead the way in energy innovation.

Wind delivers economic benefits

Wind power also brings huge economic benefits. The International Energy Agency reported that without the growth of solar and wind power between 2021 and 2023, average wholesale electricity prices in the EU would have been about 3% higher in 2021, 8% higher in 2022, and 15% higher in 2023. This would have increased the total electricity costs by around EUR 100 billion. [4]

1 1100% Clean and Renewable Wind, Water, and Sunlight All-Sector Energy Roadmaps for 139 Countries of the World. (2017). Joule, 1(1), p108-121. https://www.cell.com/joule/fulltext/S2542-4351(17)30012-0?sf109191374=1

2 Z. Jacobson, M., A. Delucchi, M., A. Cameron, M., & V. Mathiesen, B. (2018). Matching demand with supply at low cost in 139 countries among 20 world regions with 100% intermittent wind, water, and sunlight (WWS) for all purposes. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960148118301526

3 Statista. (2026, April).Distribution of electricity generation in Denmark in 2025, by source.Denmark: power generation share by source 2025| Statista

How much money are European consumers saving thanks to renewables? – Renewable Energy Market Update - June 2023 – Analysis - IEA. (n.d.). IEA. https://www.iea.org/reports/renewable-energy-market-update-june-2023/how-much-money-are-european-consumers-saving-thanks-to-renewables