Rare Incidents, Outsized Impact

A new report from Firetrace International warns that sensational media coverage of isolated wind turbine fires is undermining public trust and threatening the future of onshore wind expansion across Europe. Despite turbine fires being extremely rare, dramatic headlines and viral imagery are fueling community opposition, putting more than 12 GW of future onshore wind capacity at risk.

The report, Fire Alarm: How Isolated Fire Incidents Could Threaten EU Onshore Wind, arrives at a critical moment. With offshore wind projects facing delays and uncertainty, developers are increasingly turning to onshore wind to meet Europe’s clean energy goals.

Europe’s Onshore Wind Growth Faces Persistent Barriers

Europe has experienced a historic surge in onshore wind proposals, with more than 200,000 MW of new projects announced over the past two years. Yet progress has been uneven. Although nearly 190 GW of onshore wind capacity is currently operational, over 56 GW of planned projects have been cancelled or shelved over the last 18 years.

Permitting challenges and community resistance remain major obstacles. According to the report, isolated turbine fire incidents often amplified by sensational reporting have become a recurring flashpoint that delays or derails otherwise viable projects.

The Reality: Turbine Fires Are Exceptionally Rare

Contrary to public perception, wind turbine fires are extremely uncommon. Global data suggests an incident rate of roughly one fire per 1,700 to 7,000 turbines, representing far less than 1% of the global fleet. However, these rare events frequently receive disproportionate attention, especially on social media, where dramatic visuals are shared without context.

Opposition groups often reuse such imagery to influence authorities having jurisdiction, creating a perception of widespread risk that does not align with the data.

Lack of Transparency Fuels Misinformation

The report highlights that inconsistent data reporting and limited public access to factual information allow isolated incidents to be framed as systemic problems. Without timely, transparent communication from the wind industry, fear and misinformation can spread quickly.

Firetrace International recommends the creation of a central, publicly accessible database for turbine fire incidents. Standardized, evidence-based data would help clarify actual risk levels and demonstrate that safety measures are continuously improving.

Collaboration Over Regulation

Rather than calling for sweeping new regulations, the report argues that stronger enforcement of existing industry standards would be sufficient. Improved collaboration between turbine manufacturers, insurers, regulators, and developers could help identify genuine risks and accelerate the adoption of effective fire prevention and mitigation technologies.

This coordinated approach would allow the industry to shift from reacting to incidents to proactively reducing them.

Community Engagement Is Key to Building Trust

Beyond data transparency, the report stresses that early and continuous community engagement is essential. Developers who provide clear, accessible information from the earliest planning stages and maintain open dialogue through regular forums are more likely to earn local support.

Explaining safety protocols, emergency response plans, and routine maintenance in relatable terms can help residents better understand real-world risks. Highlighting local benefits, such as job creation, regional investment, and access to clean, affordable electricity, further strengthens community buy-in. Outreach to schools can also help build long-term familiarity and acceptance of wind energy.

Why Europe Cannot Afford Inaction

“Europe cannot afford to let rare turbine fires or the sensational headlines they attract derail the continent’s onshore wind boom,” said Joe DeBellis, Global Head of Clean Energy Sector at Firetrace International. He emphasized that transparent data and meaningful community engagement are critical to countering misinformation and safeguarding the onshore wind pipeline.

The Path Forward for EU Onshore Wind

As Europe accelerates its renewable energy transition, onshore wind remains one of the fastest and most cost-effective solutions. Addressing public concerns with facts, transparency, and engagement not fear-driven narratives will be essential to keeping projects on track.

By improving communication, standardizing data, and working collaboratively across the industry, Europe can protect its onshore wind expansion and ensure that millions of households continue to benefit from clean, reliable, and affordable electricity for decades to come.