The wind energy sector, particularly offshore wind, is experiencing rapid expansion across Asia-Pacific (APAC), fueled by ambitious government targets, increasing energy security concerns, and the urgency to meet climate commitments. According to GWEC’s latest wind energy outlook, the region is set to dominate the global offshore wind market in the coming decade, with China continuing to lead through 2027.
After limited early development, offshore wind in APAC took off in 2017, propelled by China’s massive deployment. By 2020, APAC had overtaken Europe in new offshore wind installations, and by 2022, it also led in cumulative installations. China is projected to maintain a dominant 87–91 percent share of APAC’s offshore market until at least 2027, backed by the world’s most mature offshore wind supply chain.
Over the next ten years, GWEC forecasts the addition of 215 GW of new offshore wind capacity globally, with 36 percent of that total to be installed between 2025 and 2029, and the remaining 64 percent expected from 2030 to 2034. Within APAC, the top five markets driving this growth will be China, Taiwan (China), South Korea, Japan, and the Philippines. This expansion is not only tied to energy targets but also increasingly to industrial policy, with countries pushing for local content requirements (LCRs) to build domestic supply chains and reduce reliance on external sources.
Investment in local manufacturing and infrastructure is a strategic priority across the region. Taiwan has already made significant strides with Siemens Gamesa and Vestas producing turbine nacelles locally. South Korea and Japan are also expected to establish offshore wind supply chains by 2030 to meet domestic demand and support export potential.
However, supply chain readiness remains a key bottleneck. While the region’s current wind supply chain can meet near-term demand in an open-door market scenario, there are major risks due to component concentration—especially for nacelles, blades, and electrical systems. According to GWEC and ERM’s joint report Building the APAC Wind Energy Supply Chain for a 1.5°C World, the lack of diversified production capacity outside China threatens timely deployment across emerging APAC markets.
Emerging markets such as the Philippines, India, and Australia face the dual challenge of developing both project pipelines and domestic industrial ecosystems. These countries are still building the skills, port facilities, and grid infrastructure necessary to support commercial-scale offshore wind installations. Delays in addressing these structural challenges could slow down regional progress toward climate goals.
Investments are now increasingly flowing into manufacturing, logistics, grid integration, and workforce training. Governments are aligning industrial policy with clean energy targets, while the private sector is seeking clarity on permitting and project timelines to unlock capital for supply chain expansion.
In summary, APAC’s offshore wind market is on a strong growth trajectory, but achieving the forecasted 215 GW in new capacity by 2034 hinges on urgent action to strengthen supply chains, foster regional cooperation, and ensure policy certainty. With coordinated investment and strategic planning, the region has the potential to be the global powerhouse for offshore wind energy in the decades to come.
China
China’s Offshore Wind Sector Set to Rebound Despite Policy Shifts
China’s offshore wind market, which experienced a dip in installations in 2024, is projected to regain momentum in 2025 and expand further as regulatory clarity improves for deep-water project development. The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) expects the country to add 165 GW of offshore wind capacity between 2025 and 2034, maintaining its global leadership in the sector.
The anticipated recovery comes despite policy uncertainties stemming from China’s new market-based pricing mechanisms. Under a revised scheme by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the National Energy Administration (NEA), projects commissioned before June 2025 will benefit from a price-difference settlement aligned with current policy. Projects coming online after that date will have pricing determined by local renewable energy goals and competitive bidding.
While some market participants express concern over the impact of uncertain returns on investor confidence, GWEC points to historical resilience. Following a surge in installations in 2021 — driven by the expiry of Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs) — China’s offshore wind sector still managed to connect 5 GW in 2022 and 6.3 GW in 2023 without direct financial support, signaling industry maturity and adaptability under grid parity conditions.
Despite short-term headwinds, GWEC Market Intelligence believes the Chinese offshore wind industry is well positioned to navigate ongoing reforms and play a central role in the country’s climate objectives, particularly its “30-60” goals of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
Baburajan Kizhakedath