2024 was a record year for wind energy, with 117 GW of new capacity installed globally, The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) said in its Global Wind Report released today.
Total global wind capacity now stands at 1,136 GW, with 109 GW from onshore and 8 GW from offshore wind.
China led 2024 installations with 79.8 GW, followed by the USA (4.1 GW), Germany (4 GW), India (3.4 GW), and Brazil (3.3 GW).
Brazil surpassed Spain to enter the top five markets for cumulative capacity.
55 countries installed wind turbines in 2024, showing broad international uptake.
Growth disparities remain, with most installations concentrated in mature markets like China and Europe.
Asia-Pacific grew 7 percent year-on-year; Africa & Middle East saw a 107 percent increase, led by Egypt (794 MW) and Saudi Arabia (390 MW).
North America, Latin America, and Europe saw declines in new installations compared to 2023.
Global forecast predicts 981 GW of additional capacity by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8 percent.
Forecast annual capacity additions: 138 GW (2025), 140 GW (2026), 160 GW (2027), 167 GW (2028), 183 GW (2029), 194 GW (2030).
Offshore wind awards reached a record 56.3 GW in 2024; Europe led with 23.2 GW, China followed with 17.4 GW.
New offshore wind markets gaining traction include South Korea (3.3 GW), Taiwan (2.7 GW), and Japan (1.4 GW).
Offshore wind’s share of new capacity expected to rise from 11.8 percent in 2025 to 17.5 percent in 2030.
Onshore wind awards (excluding China) doubled in 2024; Europe awarded 17 GW, with Germany accounting for 11 GW (a 72 percent increase over 2023).
GWEC has identified four major challenges: macroeconomic and financial pressures, rising trade barriers, ineffective procurement and auctioning systems, and weak investment conditions in the supply chain.
The report stresses urgent need for stable policy frameworks, improved permitting, efficient grid infrastructure, and trade cooperation.
Tariff wars and ideological opposition to renewables are creating uncertainty for global wind investments and supply chains.
Wind energy plays a central role in tripling renewable capacity by 2030 and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Wind power offers economic advantages, supports baseload requirements, ensures grid stability, and delivers clean energy aligned with climate goals.
Ben Backwell, CEO of GWEC, emphasizes that global coordination and investor confidence are key to sustaining growth and meeting energy transition targets.
Baburajan Kizhakedath