Global wind energy capacity expansion

Global wind energy capacity is experiencing significant growth across different regions. In the United States, capacity saw a 36% increase in 2025, with projections suggesting cumulative capacity could reach 46 GW by 2029. This expansion is driven in part by rising electricity demand, particularly from data centers.

In Europe, wind energy capacity grew by 30% during the first half of 2026, with 8.8 GW of new installations. Germany has led this growth, with 3.4 GW of new capacity. Other significant contributors include the United Kingdom (789 MW), Spain (612 MW), France (556 MW), Denmark (495 MW), and Poland (456 MW). Of the new capacity, 74% (6.5 GW) was onshore, while 2.3 GW was offshore. Total installed wind capacity in Europe has now exceeded 311 GW.

WindEurope suggests the sector is on track for a record year, with estimates indicating total installations could reach approximately 24 GW by December. However, WindEurope has noted that reaching the long-term goal of 30 GW of new annual capacity in the coming decade will require addressing structural obstacles, such as permitting processes, grid connections, and auction frameworks.