Global wind capacity reached 1,299 GW by the end of 2025, with 138 countries generating power from wind, according to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) 2026 Global Wind Report. 

Asia dominated new installations, led by China and India, adding 131 GW, equal to 80 per cent of global capacity additions. 

Meanwhile, Europe, North America, Africa, and the Middle East also delivered strong growth despite market challenges.

Africa and the Middle East recorded a standout year, driven by South Africa’s recovery and Saudi Arabia’s rapid expansion. 

Saudi Arabia’s 1,500-MW Dawadmi windfarm set a global record for the lowest cost wind project at $1.338 per kWh. 

With new manufacturing planned in Saudi Arabia and Oman, the region is expected to add over 18 GW of onshore capacity between 2026 and 2030.

“The steep increase we have seen in global wind installations sets a new benchmark for an industry which is rapidly accelerating and responding to heightened demand for homegrown, affordable and resilient renewable energy,” said Ben Backwell, CEO of GWEC.

Asia’s top markets, China and India, added more than 126 GW combined, with China alone contributing over 120 GW. 

Europe surpassed 300 GW total capacity, installing 19.1 GW in 2025, while the EU-27 added 15.1 GW, but still below the pace required to meet 2030 targets. 

The US also saw growth, with nearly 7 GW of new onshore capacity.

“Even as the wind industry growth is accelerating, there is no escaping that global growth remains uneven, and the world is still not on track to triple renewables by 2030,” Backwell said.