Global wind sector targets 2 TW installed capacity by 2030 despite uncertainties

Driven by China's acceleration, global wind capacity is expected to reach 170 GW in 2025, paving the way for a doubling of installed capacity by 2032.

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The global wind market is on track to reach a historic milestone with 170 GW of new capacity expected in 2025, marking an unprecedented record for the sector. This momentum is projected to add a second terawatt (TW) by 2030, only seven years after reaching the first in 2023, compared to the twenty-three years needed for the previous threshold.

China concentrates the majority of global growth

The main driver behind this expansion remains the People’s Republic of China, where onshore wind is accelerating steadily, supported by data centre demand and electrification needs. China’s market alone weighs heavily on global forecasts, representing the majority of new installations and boosting the sector’s overall performance.

According to recent projections, global wind capacity is expected to double from 2024 levels by 2032. Excluding China, the one-terawatt milestone would be reached in 2031, with global capacity doubling by 2034. Nevertheless, analysts point to strong regulatory instability across several countries, notably the United States, which is slowing the market’s momentum.

The United States enters a phase of adjustment

The adoption of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July 2025 is reshaping the American wind market. The planned end of tax credits in 2027 is prompting developers to accelerate projects, leading to a short-term spike in activity. However, this momentum is expected to ease, and the United States may fall behind India and Germany in ten-year capacity additions.

This environment is forcing companies to reassess project profitability based on fundamental parameters such as electricity demand growth and competition between technologies. The ongoing restructuring could permanently alter the global wind market hierarchy.

Onshore wind remains stable while offshore faces headwinds

Outside the United States and China, the wind market shows signs of resilience. Onshore projects are progressing in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region and several emerging markets, supported by regular tenders and robust order books. However, the slowdown in green hydrogen-related projects is weighing on overall development prospects.

The offshore segment is facing a difficult phase. Repeated tender failures and rising costs are hindering progress. In China, maritime use conflicts are blocking certain projects already under construction. In Europe, governments are under increasing pressure to adapt contract terms and maintain the sector’s appeal.

The Kagurayama onshore wind farm (61.1 MW) begins operations under a secured 2017 FIT tariff, despite grid injection limits and a multi-stakeholder local governance model.
The Trump administration has ordered the immediate halt of five major offshore wind construction sites in the Atlantic, citing national security threats and drawing mixed reactions from industry and political circles.
Policy reversals, reduced performance and corporate disengagement marked an unprecedented slowdown in wind power in 2025, although China continued its expansion at a steady pace.
The Québec government has approved three wind projects totalling 792 MW to meet growing energy demand and support regional economies in Bas-Saint-Laurent and Capitale-Nationale.
French group ENGIE has officially commissioned the Serra do Assuruá complex in the State of Bahia, making it its largest onshore wind project worldwide.
RWE signed a 15-year power purchase agreement with Indiana Michigan Power for the Prairie Creek project, aimed at supporting Indiana’s growing electricity demand starting in 2028.
EDP has signed a long-term electricity supply agreement with Energa for a 322 MW hybrid portfolio combining wind and solar, marking one of the largest contracts of its kind in Poland.
Ocean Winds has deployed a LiDAR buoy off Gippsland to collect accurate data on wind and currents, a key step in its 1.3 GW offshore wind project in Australia.
A consortium led by EDF power solutions has signed a 20-year agreement with Nama PWP to develop a 120 MW wind farm in southeastern Oman, with commissioning scheduled for Q3 2027.
Microsoft expands its partnership with Iberdrola through two new power purchase agreements in Spain, reinforcing its European energy strategy while deepening the use of cloud and artificial intelligence solutions from the US group.
Casa dos Ventos awards Vestas the supply, construction and maintenance of a 184-turbine complex in the state of Piauí, with an investment exceeding $1.01bn.
Warsaw tests long-term support for offshore wind with a structured tender to maximise competition, reduce financial risk and reassure a supply chain under pressure across Europe.
TotalEnergies has sold 50% of a portfolio of wind and solar projects in Greece to Asterion Industrial Partners, valued at €508mn ($554mn), while retaining operational control and the main share of electricity marketing.
Italy’s offshore wind rollout remains at a standstill, freezing over 18 GW of pending projects and weakening national renewable energy targets.
German manufacturer Nordex has secured an order for 34 turbines for a 200 MW project in the Canadian province of New Brunswick, marking its first entry into this region.
OX2 has started construction on three new onshore wind farms in Finland, bringing its total installed capacity in the country to 750 MW, a record level for a private energy sector player.
Italian group Enel has acquired two onshore wind farms in Germany for an enterprise value of €80mn ($86.5mn), strengthening its presence in a stable and strategic market as part of a targeted asset transfer.
EDF power solutions announces commercial operation of the San Kraal wind farm, the first unit of the 420MW Koruson 1 project, with full commissioning expected in early 2026.
Q ENERGY has announced the entry of three local and citizen-based partners into the capital of the Ventajou wind farm, marking its first strategic equity opening to institutional and community investors.
The Norwegian government has allocated two areas of the Utsira Nord project to the Equinor–Vårgrønn and EDF–Deep Wind Offshore consortia, launching a preparatory phase before a competitive state aid auction.

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