The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) has announced a strategic partnership with RE+ Events, unveiling Hanoi, Vietnam, as the host city for the APAC Summit 2026. The collaboration brings together the global voice of the wind industry and one of the world’s leading clean energy event and association management organisations, reinforcing the APAC Summit’s position as the premier industry-driven wind energy event in the Asia-Pacific region.
Under the partnership, GWEC and RE+ Events will also explore hosting future GWEC Summits in new international locations. These events will focus on accelerating wind energy deployment globally by strengthening collaboration across government, regulatory bodies, and supply chains, while addressing barriers that slow the energy transition.
Strengthening the APAC Wind Energy Ecosystem
The partnership is designed to expand the reach and impact of the APAC Summit by leveraging the international trade shows and event platforms operated by RE+ Events. By bringing the wind sector to more markets, the initiative aims to drive policy alignment, industry collaboration, and investment momentum across the region.
The initial focus will be on accelerating wind energy deployment in the Asia-Pacific through APAC Summit 2026, which will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, financial institutions, and supply chain partners. In the coming years, the collaboration is expected to expand into educational programmes for emerging markets, deeper engagement with media and policymakers, and enhanced business development opportunities for GWEC members.
Industry Leaders Highlight Strategic Importance
Ben Backwell, CEO of the Global Wind Energy Council, said the partnership ensures wind energy remains central to the global energy transition as the world enters what he described as the Age of Electricity. He highlighted the importance of collaboration with governments and institutions to remove hurdles and deliver new wind capacity in emerging markets at speed.
Backwell also pointed to Vietnam’s growing role in the regional wind market, citing the country’s strong wind energy ambitions and its commitment to working closely with industry to turn policy goals into projects on the ground.
Stephen Miner, President and CEO of RE+ Events, said the partnership aligns with RE+ Events’ mission to bring clean energy discussions to regions where they have the greatest impact. He noted that APAC Summit 2026 in Hanoi marks an important step in connecting global stakeholders, sharing knowledge, and supporting communities in building a sustainable energy future.
Asia-Pacific Drives Global Wind Growth
The Asia-Pacific region is expected to account for 61 percent of new wind energy capacity built worldwide by 2030. Total onshore wind capacity in the region could double to 1,084 GW by the end of the decade, while offshore wind presents an additional potential of around 122 GW.
Vietnam is positioned at the centre of this next wave of development. Under its updated Power Development Plan VIII, the country has outlined a target of six to 17 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2035, rising to more than 100 GW by 2050. Vietnam is expected to advance plans for its first six GW of offshore wind projects in 2026, aligning closely with the timing of the APAC Summit in Hanoi.
Expanding Global Reach
As part of the partnership, GWEC will also contribute its expertise to RE+ 26, scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, from November 16 to 19, 2026. This collaboration will ensure wind energy maintains a strong presence at one of the world’s largest clean energy gatherings, alongside solar, storage, hydrogen, electric vehicles, and other clean technologies.
APAC Summit 2026 Details
APAC Summit 2026 will be held from 9 to 11 June in Hanoi, Vietnam. The event is expected to attract senior decision-makers from across the wind energy value chain, along with government representatives and financial institutions shaping the region’s clean energy future.
Organisations interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at the event can contact the GWEC and RE+ Events International Sales Manager, Pamela Velazco, at pvelazco@re-plus.com.
About GWEC
The Global Wind Energy Council is a member-based organisation representing the entire wind energy sector. Its more than 1,500 members span over 80 countries and include manufacturers, developers, component suppliers, research institutes, national wind and renewable energy associations, utilities, and finance and insurance companies.
About RE+ Events
RE+ Events is a global event and association management organisation focused on the clean energy industry. Its flagship event, RE+ (formerly SPI), is the largest renewable energy event in North America. The organisation also hosts regional and international events covering solar, energy storage, hydrogen, electric vehicles, microgrids, wind energy, and related technologies, supporting business growth and collaboration across the clean energy ecosystem.
BABURAJAN KIZHAKEDATH