- Chinese Original Equipment Manufacturer’s (OEM’s) secure 78% of global wind installations, with strong expansion into emerging markets.
- Global wind capacity additions rise 45% year on year to 176 GW, the fastest growth on record.
- Goldwind and Envision each exceed 20 GW of installations as China surpasses 100 GW in a single year.
Global wind power installations surged to 176 GW in 2025, marking a 45% year on year increase and the strongest annual growth ever recorded, according to Wood Mackenzie. The expansion was driven largely by China, which became the first country to exceed 100 GW of wind installations in a single year.
The milestone reflects strong provincial targets and a continued shift towards market based pricing. China accounted for the majority of global additions, reinforcing its central role in the energy transition.
Outside China, installations increased by 22%, supported by robust activity across Asia Pacific, Europe, North America and emerging markets in Africa and Central Asia. Latin America was the only region to record a contraction. More than 60 countries commissioned new wind capacity during the year, a 13% increase compared to 2024, highlighting the continued globalisation of wind deployment.
Chinese turbine manufacturers dominated the global rankings, occupying the top six positions and achieving record delivery volumes. Nine Chinese OEMs reported their highest ever annual installations. Overseas deployments by Chinese suppliers reached 8.5 GW across 22 markets, more than three times higher than the previous year, with growth concentrated in emerging markets where competitive pricing and shorter delivery timelines provided a clear advantage.
Goldwind and Envision led the market, each surpassing 20 GW of installations for the first time. Their performance underscores a strategy built on scale, cost competitiveness and rapid deployment, supported by strong domestic demand and expanding international reach.
In contrast, Western OEMs focused on core markets with higher margins, prioritising platform simplification, pricing discipline and operational stability. Despite a decline in global market share, they retained a strong position outside China, securing 75% of installations in these markets and supplying turbines to nearly 50 countries, a record level of geographic diversification. Vestas maintained the broadest international footprint, delivering turbines across almost 40 markets.
India recorded a notable recovery in 2025, with domestic wind installations nearly doubling. Local manufacturers connected 2.7 GW, supported by favourable policy conditions and rising electricity demand. Suzlon re entered the global top 15, while other Indian OEMs strengthened their presence outside China, demonstrating the continued relevance of regional players despite increasing competition from Chinese suppliers.
Technology strategies diverged across the industry but remained aligned in their underlying approach. Chinese OEMs accelerated the deployment of larger onshore turbines with rotor diameters exceeding 200 metres and advanced early stage offshore models in the 16 MW to 18 MW range. Western manufacturers focused on optimising existing platforms, extending rotor sizes and advancing 15 MW class offshore turbines suited to grid and permitting constraints in their key markets.
Despite these differences, turbine manufacturers globally prioritised scaling established platforms rather than introducing entirely new product families. This reflects a maturing industry increasingly focused on efficiency, cost optimisation and long term financial sustainability.
Looking ahead, the sector is expected to maintain this dual track approach, with Chinese OEMs continuing to expand through scale and market reach, while Western players concentrate on profitability and incremental innovation within established platforms.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
