Global wind turbine installations slowed in 2024, reaching 121,305 MW—just below 2023’s total of 121,465 MW—reflecting a difficult year for the sector. Nearly half of the top 20 wind markets installed less capacity than the previous year. According to preliminary data from the World Wind Energy Association (WWEA), global installed wind power capacity stood at 1,173,581 MW by the end of 2024, falling short of autumn projections.
The decline in new capacity was especially stark outside of China, where installations dropped from 42,095 MW in 2023 to 34,413 MW in 2024—an 18% decrease. The global growth rate slowed to 11.5%, compared with 13.0% the previous year.
Among the top twenty markets, only five countries exceeded the global average growth rate: China (18.3%), Brazil (19.0%), Finland (20.3%), Australia (27.5%), and Argentina (16.6%). Key markets such as the United States, Germany, Spain and France each grew by less than 5%.
The top markets by new capacity in 2024 were China (86.7 GW), Brazil (5.4 GW), United States (4.2 GW), India (3.4 GW), Australia (3.3 GW), Germany (3.2 GW), and the United Kingdom (2.2 GW).
Long-term outlook and uncertainty
Despite record total capacity, installations in 2024 did not meet forecasts. Some of this capacity may be commissioned in 2025. New policy frameworks may drive growth, but political shifts in the United States are generating concern over supply chain stability and climate policy direction. Consequently, a tripling of capacity by 2030, once considered achievable, is now uncertain in some regions.
Opposition to wind farms is growing in several countries, partly due to misinformation. WWEA stresses the importance of accurate information and community engagement. The association is drafting international guidelines for best practice in this area, due by the end of 2025.
Share in electricity generation
Wind power now supplies well over 10% of global electricity, surpassing nuclear energy. More than 30 countries exceed the global average share of wind energy, with eleven generating over 20% of their electricity from wind. Seven of these—including Denmark, Germany, the United Kingdom, Portugal, the Netherlands, Ireland and Uruguay—surpass 30%.
As electricity demand rises through increased electrification of heating, cooling and transport, wind’s role in global energy supply is expected to grow further.
Barriers to expansion
Multiple factors slowed wind energy deployment in 2024. Policy shifts in the United States introduced uncertainty, with announced reversals of environmental regulations and new trade barriers. Fossil fuel subsidies continue to distort markets, while long permitting processes (often exceeding five years) remain a bottleneck.
Opposition to wind energy projects, often driven by misinformation, has delayed or halted developments. WWEA is advocating for laws requiring wind developers to offer tangible local benefits, such as shared ownership, reduced tariffs or community payments.
Regional developments
Asia: China remains the global leader, with 561,492 MW installed and 86,892 MW added in 2024, representing 72% of global new installations. India added 3.4 GW and has surpassed 50 GW in total capacity. Japan and Vietnam also saw modest gains.
Europe: Germany added 3.2 GW, maintaining its lead in new installations, followed by the United Kingdom (2.2 GW), Finland (1.4 GW), Spain (1.2 GW), and Sweden (1.0 GW). Other notable additions include France (909 MW), Italy (865 MW), and Poland (850 MW). Renewable energy remains a key political priority across the European Union.
North America: The United States saw its lowest growth in over a decade, adding just 4.2 GW. Canada added 1.4 GW, while Mexico reached 8.7 GW in total.
South America: Brazil emerged as the second-largest market in 2024, installing 5.4 GW and achieving a 19% growth rate. Total capacity reached 34 GW. Other key markets included Chile (4.9 GW), Argentina (4.3 GW), and Uruguay (1.5 GW), with the latter generating 100% of its electricity from renewables.
Oceania: Australia added 3.3 GW in 2024, becoming the fifth-largest market for new capacity. New Zealand’s total capacity remained at 1,264 MW.
Africa: Growth remained limited. Morocco added 302 MW, reaching 2.4 GW in total, and Egypt added 315 MW, reaching 2.2 GW. Off-grid applications remain a focus for rural electrification efforts across the continent.
