Global newly installed wind power capacity by select country 2024

China added approximately 79.8 gigawatts of wind power capacity in 2024. The cumulative capacity of installed wind power worldwide surpassed one terawatt in 2024. 

Need for renewable energy

Some forty years ago, the major industrialized countries were rendered helpless in the face of a severe energy crisis, when Arab petroleum producers proclaimed an oil embargo and the Iranian energy industry was plunged into the chaos of revolution. Once more, politicians and the public in industrial countries were reminded of the finite and limited nature of fossil fuels. The lack of alternatives to oil, gas and coal energy lead to the development of renewable, sustainable energy technologies, including solar thermal and PV systems, hydroelectricity, and wind power.

Rise of wind power

In terms of cumulative wind power capacity installations, the market used to be dominated by European economies. However, beginning in the mid-2000s, China emerged as the driving force behind global wind power capacity growth. In 2024, Asia’s economic power horse added a whopping 79.8 gigawatts of new wind power capacity, to reach a cumulative capacity of more than 560 gigawatts. With a market share of 70 percent in 2024, China lead the ranking of the largest wind power generating countries worldwide, ahead of the United States, Germany, and Brazil. Chinese wind turbine manufacturers have also increased their market shares, shortening the distance with the leading players - including Siemens Gamesa and Vestas. That said, Europe still accounts for about 43 percent of global cumulative offshore wind power capacity.