Global wind capacity has indeed reached a record level in 2024, according to the latest data from the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Global capacity has broken records again in 2024. Despite this, efforts are not sufficient to meet targets.
Key figures
- 117 GW of new wind capacity was installed in 2024, beating the previous record set in 2023.
- 1,136 GW of total installed capacity at the end of 2024, an increase of 11% in one year.
- Onshore wind power largely dominates, but offshore is gradually gaining ground.
Role in Renewable Energy
Wind power represents a major share of the 585 GW of renewable energy added in 2024, contributing, along with solar, to 96.6% of new global green capacity. However, IRENA emphasizes that this growth remains insufficient to triple renewable capacity by 2030, a target requiring an annual rate of 16.6%.
Between Regional Booms and Turbulent Zones
However, the picture is not uniform. While Asia-Pacific shows a stable expansion of 7%, there is a surprise in Africa and the Middle East with an incredible jump of 107%, led by Egypt and Saudi Arabia. However, Europe, North America, and Latin America are experiencing declines.
Behind the scenes, problems are piling up: a precarious supply chain, flawed auction systems, and insufficient regulatory clarity. A number of constraints explain why wind energy is currently struggling to meet its 2030 targets. This is a volatile mix in a sector that is crucial for achieving climate goals. According to the GWEC, an average annual expansion of 8.8% is expected until that deadline.
Countries contributing the most to wind capacity growth in 2024
In 2024, China largely dominated global wind capacity expansion, with around 70% of new installations worldwide (nearly 80 GW of the 117 GW added), confirming its status as the undisputed leader. The United States, although behind, remains a major player, while Brazil and Germany are among the main contributors.
Country Details
China: 80 GW installed in 2024, bringing its total capacity to 521 GW. Its development combines onshore and offshore wind, with emerging floating projects.
United States: Maintains its second place worldwide in cumulative capacity, although exact data for 2024 are not specified in the sources consulted. Its combined solar and wind capacity reached 274 GW at the end of 2024.
Brazil: Cited among the emerging leaders, although specific figures for 2024 are lacking.
Germany: Targeted 100 GW of wind capacity by 2030 (compared to 60 GW at the beginning of 2024), with an acceleration planned in offshore.
Other Regions
India added at least 10 GW of combined solar and wind in 2024, with no specific details on wind.
Europe as a whole is growing modestly compared to Asia, with notable offshore projects in the United Kingdom and Spain.
Offshore Outlook
While offshore represents only a modest fraction of the total, projections predict a rebound to 19 GW of new installations in 2025, driven by China and the development of floating wind power.
