Global wind energy growth reaches record levels in 2025
Amid a deep transformation of the global energy system, global wind energy growth reached a new all-time high in 2025, with 165 GW of newly installed capacity, marking a 40% increase compared to the previous year. This is the highest figure ever recorded by the sector. After the analysis by BloombergNEF, confirmation comes from the latest Global Wind Report by the Global Wind Energy Council.
Total cumulative capacity has now reached 1,299 GW, across 138 countries that currently rely on wind power to support their economies.
Market dynamics and turbine expansion
This expansion is unfolding against a backdrop of continued volatility in fossil fuel markets. High oil and gas prices, combined with supply disruptions, have reinforced the role of renewables. Within this context, global wind energy growth demonstrates strong scalability and rapid deployment potential. The trend is also reflected in the number of turbines installed, with 28,395 units deployed across 57 countries in 2025 alone.
“The strong increase we have seen in global wind installations sets a new benchmark for an industry that is accelerating rapidly,” said Ben Backwell, CEO of the Global Wind Energy Council, highlighting the sector’s ability to deliver affordable and resilient energy.
Asia dominates global wind energy growth with 80% of installations
The global wind energy growth trajectory remains heavily concentrated in Asia. In 2025, the Asia-Pacific region installed 131.8 GW, accounting for roughly 80% of total global additions. China led by a wide margin with 120.5 GW installed in a single year, consolidating its leadership both in annual additions and cumulative capacity, which reached 640.5 GW.
India ranked third globally for new installations with 6.3 GW, posting an 86% increase compared to 2024. This surge reflects the country’s commitment to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030.
Overall, the five largest markets, China, the United States, India, Germany and Brazil, accounted for 86% of new global installations and nearly 75% of total installed capacity, highlighting a strong geographical concentration of investment and policy support.
Europe exceeds 300 GW but falls short of 2030 targets
In Europe, global wind energy growth translates into more moderate yet still significant expansion. In 2025, the continent installed 19.1 GW, up 16% year-on-year, bringing total capacity above 300 GW.
The EU-27 contributed 15.1 GW, an increase of 17%, but still below the pace required to meet 2030 climate targets. Growth was driven primarily by Germany and Türkiye, while other markets slowed due to complex permitting procedures and infrastructure constraints.
Expansion signals from the US and emerging markets
In the United States, onshore installations reached 6.9 GW, marking a strong rebound after years of stagnation. The figures confirm the sector’s economic resilience and the impact of supportive policy frameworks.
Africa and the Middle East also recorded a record year, with 2.6 GW installed, led by South Africa and the rapid expansion in Saudi Arabia. The Dawadmi wind project set a global benchmark with a levelised cost of energy of 1.338 dollars per kWh, among the lowest ever recorded.
By contrast, Latin America experienced a slowdown, with 3.7 GW installed, affected by weak electricity demand and curtailment issues, particularly in Brazil.
Onshore leads while offshore approaches 100 GW
From a technological perspective, global wind energy growth remains dominated by onshore installations. In 2025, 155.3 GW of onshore wind capacity was added, a 42% increase, compared to 9.3 GW offshore, up 16%.
Despite the gap, offshore wind is nearing a symbolic milestone. Total offshore capacity reached 92.3 GW, approaching the 100 GW threshold globally. China contributed 6.6 GW, while Europe installed around 2 GW, led by the United Kingdom.
However, signs of strain are emerging. In 2025, only 11.4 GW of new offshore capacity was awarded, below the 2024 record. The decline reflects failed auctions in Europe, project cancellations in the United States and changes in support mechanisms in China.
Structural barriers slowing global wind energy growth
Despite its strong expansion, global wind energy growth continues to face significant structural barriers. Bureaucratic complexity and slow grid development remain the main obstacles to project deployment.
“Bureaucratic red tape and slow roll-out of grids is stopping badly needed projects from being built,” Backwell stressed. The issue is not a lack of projects or capital, but the limited capacity of permitting systems and infrastructure to keep pace with the energy transition.
To address these challenges, the sector calls for urgent action, including faster permitting processes, grid expansion, capital mobilisation and stronger industrial supply chains.
Towards 2 terawatts by 2030 for global wind energy growth
Outlook projections indicate that global wind energy growth will continue over the coming years. Between 2026 and 2030, an additional 969 GW is expected to be installed, with an average of 194 GW per year and a compound annual growth rate of 5.2%.
At this pace, global capacity is set to surpass 2 terawatts by 2029, just six years after reaching the first terawatt milestone in 2023. In the short term, China will continue to dominate, accounting for around 63% of new installations in 2026, although a gradual geographical diversification is expected.
From 2027 onwards, regions such as Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Africa and the Middle East will increasingly contribute, with more than 50% of global growth projected to occur outside China by the end of the decade.
“A remarkable 40% growth across 138 countries demonstrates the accelerating role of wind energy in the global energy transition,” said Girish Tanti, Vice Chairman of the Global Wind Energy Council, underlining wind power’s strategic importance for energy security and price stability.