The latest WindEnergy trend:index (WEtix) survey shows a weakening sentiment in the global wind sector compared to the previous year, though overall outlooks remain positive outside North America. Conducted biannually since 2018 by WindEnergy Hamburg and wind:research, the index highlights a notably pessimistic view of the North American onshore and offshore markets. For the first time, survey responses for the region were negative across all areas, particularly for long-term prospects.
Globally, stakeholders still rate the onshore and offshore markets positively, but at reduced levels. Sentiment is slightly more optimistic for the coming 12 months than for the longer two-year horizon. Offshore expectations in particular have seen a sharper decline, though they remain in positive territory outside North America.
Despite weaker market confidence, technology expectations remain strong. The average turbine size for offshore installations by 2030 is now forecast at 19.44 MW, a new high. Onshore turbine expectations have dropped slightly to around 8.46 MW, indicating a more cautious outlook for land-based development.
A new survey question on grid constraints reveals average delays of 2.8 years for onshore and 3.2 years for offshore projects due to transmission bottlenecks, reinforcing calls for faster grid infrastructure upgrades.
