RWE Blames Weak Winds for Profit Drop & Rising Energy Costs
Lodewijk van Helden
Sunday, August 17, 2025
Image source: RWE
RWE Sounds Alarm: Weak Winds Spark Europe-wide Energy Pain
Europe’s offshore wind industry just faced a reality check. Utility giant RWE – one of the continent’s largest power providers – reported sharp profit drops due to prolonged low wind speeds, also known as stilling. The result? Higher energy costs for households and businesses, and renewed pressure on offshore projects to deliver consistency.
The story behind the numbers
- Quarterly setback: RWE’s Q1 adjusted EBITDA fell by almost 25%, down to €1.307 billion.
- First-half pain: The trend continued, with H1 profits down over 25% to €2.14 billion. Trading profit collapsed by 95%.
- Market pressure: Wholesale electricity prices rose as governments turned back to fossil fuel backup.
- Climate factor: Global warming could worsen the stilling effect as atmospheric circulation patterns slow down.
Despite these challenges, RWE kept its full-year forecast steady: €4.55–5.15 billion EBITDA, plus a €1.20 per share dividend.
Why it matters for offshore wind
Stilling shows how dependent Europe remains on weather patterns. For offshore developers, volatility can shake entire business models. When the wind doesn’t blow, the economics of large-scale wind farms change overnight.
Key takeaways for the industry:
- Offshore projects need resilient design to anticipate variability.
- Flexible cable and foundation systems safeguard long-term stability.
- Smart maintenance strategies reduce downtime, even in calm conditions.
WolfWindWorks perspective
At WolfWindWorks, we understand that offshore projects don’t just need capacity – they need certainty. From tender to termination, our team builds systems designed to withstand both storms and stillness.
👉 Looking for a partner who ensures resilience in every phase of your offshore wind project?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is “stilling” in wind energy?
Stilling is a prolonged drop in wind speeds across large regions, reducing power output from wind farms.
How much did RWE lose due to stilling?
RWE’s Q1 2025 profits fell nearly 25%. First-half profits dropped by over 25%, with trading profit down 95%.
What does this mean for energy bills?
With lower wind output, utilities fall back on fossil fuels, which drives up wholesale electricity prices and consumer bills.
Can offshore wind projects adapt to stilling?
Yes. With resilient design, robust cable systems, and proactive maintenance, projects can reduce risks and secure steady output.
Hi, I’m Lodewijk van Helden
Founder of WolfWindWorks
With over 15 years in offshore wind and subsea cable projects, I’ve worked across Europe and Asia on some of the industry’s most complex challenges. At WolfWindWorks, I share real-world insights and lessons learned to help contractors, developers, and EPCs deliver offshore projects smarter and safer.
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