Europe depends on imports for 58% of its energy supply. Much of this could be replaced through electrification and a larger build-out of wind, solar, grids and storage. According to Ørsted’s analysis, this could reduce Europe’s total electricity costs by around 30% – including the costs of managing the variability of wind and solar.

However, a new survey conducted by Common Consultancy for Ørsted shows that perceptions in several European countries do not match this reality. Today, more than half of Europe’s total energy consumption comes from imported fossil fuels. At the same time, many Europeans believe their country is already energy independent. In Germany, more than four in five respondents underestimate how much energy their country imports.

“Europe’s security and competitiveness depend on reducing our reliance on imported energy. That requires broad public and political support for the investments and policies needed to get there,” says Amanda Dasch, Chief Development Officer at Ørsted.

“Energy systems, policies and regulation are complex, but they affect all of us. We believe it is important that the discussion is based on facts and informed choices. We hope this survey and our analysis can contribute to that conversation.”

The survey also shows that many Europeans overestimate the cost of renewable energy. Between 36% and 55% of respondents believe offshore wind is more expensive than it is in reality. At the same time, Ørsted’s analysis shows that an electricity system where wind and solar provide more than 80% of generation can reduce total electricity costs in Europe by around 30% by 2040 compared with a fossil-based alternative.

Renewable energy can deliver electricity at lower cost than fossil and nuclear alternatives. Managing the variability of wind and solar requires significant investments in grids, storage and flexibility. But even when these costs are included, the total cost of the energy system is lower. The build-out also reduces Europe’s need for imported fuels.

Today, Europe spends hundreds of billions of euros every year on importing coal, oil and gas. Those costs can instead be reduced through investments in European energy infrastructure. Different renewable technologies also complement each other. Solar power, onshore wind, offshore wind, storage and stronger grids all have a role to play in building a more reliable and resilient European energy system. Offshore wind has particular advantages because of its scale and relatively high capacity factor.

The survey also points to continued strong support for renewable energy. Across the countries surveyed, between 73% and 91% say it is important to build more renewable energy in their country.

“Realising this opportunity will require timely and coordinated action from governments but also from our own industry. These survey results confirm that we as an industry have a responsibility to strengthen awareness among citizens in Europe of the opportunities to improve European energy independence. Encouragingly, we are now seeing stronger European cooperation and policy support,” says Amanda Dasch.

“The Offshore Wind Investment Pact agreed between the European Commission and the nine countries around the North Sea is one example. We are also seeing Europeans increasingly choosing electric vehicles, heat pumps and electrified industry. These are important steps towards a more secure, affordable and independent energy system.”

Facts about the survey

This study measures public knowledge and misperceptions about renewable energy, with a particular focus on offshore wind. The data is based on between 1,002 and 1,051 respondents from Denmark, the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Poland. In total, 6,109 respondents participated in the study. The data was collected between 6 and 23 March 2026.

The results have been weighted to ensure they reflect the national population distribution across key demographic variables such as gender, age, and region. The findings should be interpreted with the usual margin of statistical uncertainty.

About Ørsted

Ørsted is a global leader in developing, constructing, and operating offshore wind farms, with a core focus on Europe. Backed by more than 30 years of experience in offshore wind, Ørsted has 10.2 GW of installed offshore capacity and 8.1 GW under construction.

Ørsted’s total installed renewable energy capacity spanning Europe, Asia Pacific, and North America exceeds 18 GW across a portfolio that also includes onshore wind, solar power, energy storage, bioenergy plants, and energy trading. Widely recognised as a global sustainability leader, Ørsted is guided by its vision of a world that runs entirely on green energy.

Headquartered in Denmark, Ørsted employs approximately 8,000 people. Ørsted's shares are listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen (Orsted). In 2024, the group's operating profit excluding new partnerships and cancellation fees was DKK 24.8 billion (EUR 3.3 billion).