227. Wind + Grids = Energy Security - May26
From Redefining Energy by Laurent Segalen and Gerard Reid
May 4, 2026 · 29 min
About this episode
The episode discusses the expansion of wind energy in Europe with insights from Tinne Van der Straeten, focusing on energy security and the challenges faced in policymaking.
Gerard and Laurent welcome Tinne Van der Straeten, CEO of WindEurope—the leading voice of the wind industry in Europe, representing more than 600 members across the entire value chain. Tinne brings a distinctive perspective to the discussion. As Belgium’s Minister for Energy during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, she experienced an energy crisis firsthand. Her background in policymaking offers a different vantage point from that of investors, shaped by the practical realities and trade-offs of government decision-making. The conversation highlights that, despite ongoing challenges, wind energy continues to expand rapidly across Europe, with €45 billion in final investment decisions recorded in 2025. There is now a clear opportunity to repower first-generation onshore turbines, which could double installed capacity and potentially triple electricity generation. Offshore wind also stands out as a major growth area, with the North Sea remaining the central hub, while the Baltic Sea is developing steadily and early signs of momentum are emerging in Spain. At the same time, the discussion points to the persistence of outdated, ideologically driven debates around energy…
People in this episode
Hosts: Laurent Segalen, Gerard Reid
Guest: Tinne Van der Straeten
Topics covered
- wind energy
- energy security
- policymaking
- investment
- electrification
- energy crisis
- renewable energy
Keywords
- wind energy
- energy security
- investment decisions
- electrification
- renewable energy
- energy crisis
- policymaking
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: WindEurope
Places: Belgium, Ukraine, North Sea, Baltic Sea, Poland, Sweden, Germany, France
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