Europe and Middle East Lead Global Onshore Wind Growth with 142 GW Capacity Additions by 2026
Europe and the Middle East are projected to drive global onshore wind growth in 2026, achieving 142 gigawatts (GW) in capacity additions, a 1% increase from the previous year. China continues to show stable growth due to grid upgrades and the 15th Five-Year Plan, while the Asia-Pacific region, particularly India, Laos, and Japan, also sees steady expansion.
In the U.S., capacity is expected to peak at 8.1 GW as developers rush to secure expiring tax credits. Germany will contribute 7.7 GW, and significant projects in Saudi Arabia will bolster Middle Eastern growth.
The industry is shifting focus from turbine price to overall system economics, emphasizing integration capabilities and co-located energy storage systems. Chinese OEMs are entering a profit recovery phase, driven by strong local demand and a rebound in turbine prices. Competition is intensifying globally, with Western OEMs focusing on margin stability over volume growth.
