Global wind energy capacity saw a record 117 GW in new additions in 2024, a marginal increase from the 116.6 GW installed in 2023. The total wind energy capacity installed across the globe stands at 1,136 GW, according to the Global Wind Energy Council’s (GWEC) Global Wind Report 2025.

Driven by explosive growth in China and steady installations in India, Asia Pacific retained its leading position with 75% of the global market share and a 7% year-over-year (YoY) growth.

The top five markets for new installations in 2024 were China, the U.S., Germany, India and Brazil. These five markets together contributed 81% to global additions in 2024, 1% higher than the previous year.

Onshore Wind Installations

Global onshore wind installation additions in 2024 reached a historical peak of 109 GW. The global cumulative onshore wind installations surpassed the 1,000 GW milestone for the first time, an 11% YoY growth.

After two years of relatively low growth in 2021 and 2022, onshore installations in China bounced back, comprising 70% of the world’s total onshore installations in 2024.

However, onshore wind additions in Europe, Latin America, and North America dropped by 5%, 25%, and 35%, respectively. The decline is mainly attributed to the slowdown of Sweden and Brazil’s onshore wind growth.

While the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act propelled renewable energy investment across the U.S., less than 4 GW of new onshore wind capacity was commissioned last year – the lowest since 2014.

In 2024, excluding China, onshore wind capacity awarded through wind-specific, technology-neutral renewable and hybrid power auctions doubled from 2023. The total awarded capacity was 53.5 GW, a record for the industry. More than half of this was in the Asia Pacific region – primarily in India and nearly one-third was in Europe.

India added over 800 MW of wind power capacity in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2024, up 45.1% YoY from 551 MW. The capacity surged 13.3% quarter-over-quarter from 706.6 MW, according to Mercom India Research.

Offshore Wind Installations

In 2024, 8 GW of new offshore wind capacity was grid-connected globally, 26% less than in 2023 and the lowest since 2021. The total global offshore wind capacity was at 83.2 GW by the year’s end. Of the total capacity awarded, 1.9 GW was for floating wind projects.

China led the world in new offshore wind installations for the seventh consecutive year. With 4 GW added to the grid, the country’s total offshore wind capacity reached 41.8 GW by the end of 2024.

Last year, Europe commissioned 2.7 GW of new offshore wind energy from nine wind farms across four markets, representing one-third of the global offshore wind capacity connected in 2024.

The United Kingdom connected 1.2 GW, Germany commissioned 730 MW, and France 658 MW in 2024.

The U.S. commissioned the 132 MW South Fork Wind Farm, which consists of 12 SGRE SG 11-200 turbines, increasing the country’s total offshore wind capacity to 174 MW.

Market Outlook 2025-30

Global markets remain optimistic about the wind energy sector’s long-term growth.

GWEC Market Intelligence expects new installations to surpass the previous record and reach a capacity of 138 GW in 2025. Under current policies, 982 GW of new capacity is expected to be added this year and in the next five. This addition would equate to 164 GW of new installations annually until 2030.

The projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for 2025–2030 is 8.8%.

The projected CAGR for onshore wind during the forecast period is 6.6%, with anticipated average annual installations reaching 138 GW. Overall, 827 GW is expected to be added between 2025 and 2030. Growth in China and Europe will continue to drive global onshore wind development.

The CAGR for offshore wind during the forecast period is projected at 27%, which would help annual offshore wind installations quadruple by 2030.

China and Europe are set to maintain their growth dominance, comprising 87% of the global market share by 2025.

With annual installations expected to be at an average of 26 GW, 156 GW of offshore wind capacity is expected to be added worldwide in 2025–2030. Of these installations, 51% are expected to come from China, 33% from the European Union, 12% from Asia Pacific, excluding China, and 4% from the U.S.

In 2024, GWEC market intelligence expected 791 GW of new capacity addition over the next five years under existing policies, averaging 158 GW annually through 2028.