Global Wind Energy Council Releases Global Wind Report 2026

The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) has released the Global Wind Report 2026, highlighting accelerating global wind power deployment, rapid technological advancements, and the sector’s growing role in ensuring energy security and economic resilience. While Asia continues to lead capacity growth, emerging markets are gaining momentum, and innovation across offshore and digital technologies is reshaping the industry. At the same time, geopolitical tensions, misinformation, and trade protectionism pose new challenges to the sector’s expansion.

Emerging Carbon Removal Technologies: Ocean Iron Fertilization

In April 2024, the U.S.-based Ocean Visions and the Environmental Systems Research Institute jointly developed the first Ocean Iron Fertilization (OIF) Site Suitability Planning Tool, providing multi-dimensional mapping support for research, planning, and decision-making.

In September 2024, the Exploring Ocean Iron Solutions (ExOIS) initiative launched comprehensive research into the carbon removal potential of OIF. The program covers:

·       Field studies in the Northeast Pacific

·       Model improvements and MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification) systems

·       Testing of new iron sources and deployment methods

·       Social science and governance frameworks

Findings suggest that OIF could serve as a viable ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) pathway. ExOIS plans to conduct a 10,000 km² field trial by 2026.

In February 2026, researchers from institutions including Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution called for next-generation OIF experiments, proposing a 3–6 month study in the Gulf of Alaska, covering approximately 1,000 km², to monitor phytoplankton blooms, carbon transport, and ecological impacts.

Asia Leads Global Wind Power Growth

Asia continues to dominate global wind power expansion:

·       China added nearly 120 GW of new capacity in 2025, almost matching global additions in 2024

·       India installed a record 6.34 GW of onshore wind, up 85% year-on-year, reclaiming its position as the world’s third-largest wind market

Meanwhile, countries such as South Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines are advancing regulatory reforms and building investment-ready project pipelines.

Beyond traditional markets, emerging economies are rapidly scaling up:

·       Saudi Arabia surpassed 2 GW in cumulative capacity

·       Egypt exceeded 3 GW

·       Türkiye added 2.1 GW, reaching nearly 16 GW total capacity

These developments signal that the Middle East is no longer on the periphery of global wind development.

Technological Advancements Strengthen Power System Resilience

Wind energy innovation is reshaping power systems:

·       Onshore wind drives rural economic development through land leasing, construction, and long-term operations

·       Offshore wind accelerates infrastructure upgrades, including ports and high-voltage transmission networks

·       Floating offshore wind is unlocking deep-water resources and fostering technological breakthroughs

To address large-scale grid integration challenges, the sector is increasingly deploying:

·       Energy storage systems

·       Advanced forecasting and digital tools

·       Artificial intelligence and data analytics across the value chain

These developments are enabling more flexible and resilient power systems.

Dual Challenges: Misinformation and Trade Protectionism

Despite technological progress, the wind sector faces growing external pressures:

Misinformation:
In some markets, notably the United States, political narratives influenced by fossil fuel interests continue to question the reliability and cost-effectiveness of renewable energy, potentially undermining policy support.

Trade Protectionism:
Global protectionist measures are disrupting supply chains, affecting not only bulk materials such as steel but also critical wind turbine components.

In response, countries are strengthening free trade agreements and cross-border industrial cooperation to build more resilient supply chains. While bilateral trade flows may fluctuate, overall global trade remains relatively stable.

Wind Power as a Pillar of Energy Security

Ongoing geopolitical conflicts have exposed the vulnerabilities of fossil fuel-based energy systems. With nearly 80% of countries being net importers of fossil fuels, exposure to price volatility and imported inflation risks has intensified.

Against this backdrop, a global consensus is emerging:

Expanding renewable energy is essential for ensuring energy security.

Wind power is increasingly recognized as a strategic infrastructure asset, delivering:

·       Stable and affordable electricity prices

·       Reduced dependence on imported fuels

·       Enhanced economic resilience

With its growing installed capacity, wind energy is already helping many countries mitigate energy shortages and maintain stable wholesale electricity markets.

Source

GWEC, Global Wind Report 2026
https://www.gwec.net/reports/globalwindreport