WWEA Half-year Report 2024: Strong Wind Power Growth Continues in First Half 2024

WWEA Half-year Report 2024

Strong Wind Power Growth Continues in First Half 2024:

• • 123 Gigawatt of new capacity added between June 2023 and June 2024, after 100 GW in the previous year
  • Global wind power capacity has reached almost 1,1 Terawatt
  • Wind power contributes well above 10% of global power 
  • Annual growth rate at 12,6%
  • China exceeds 500 Gigawatt of installed wind capacity
  • A record breaking 150 Gigawatt of new installations are expected for the full year 2024
  • A total capacity of 1,2 million Megawatt to be reached by end of 2024 

The World Wind Energy Association WWEA has gathered statistics on new wind power installations in the first six months of 2024. Based on a survey amongst WWEA’s member associations from around the globe, WWEA has been able to publish an estimate of the global installations as of now and a prediction for the end of 2024. The figures presented in this report are based on official statistics and on WWEA estimates.

The report is also available for download https://wwindea.org/ss-uploads/media/2024/12/1733138465-eddec6e3-1aec-41d4-922f-d651ade895b6.pdf

The world installed 45,2 Gigawatt in the first half of 2024, 8% more than in 2023 when 41,7 Gigawatt were added in the same period. This equals a year-to-year growth rate of 12,6%, when comparing the total installed capacity end of June 2023 and end of June 2024. In comparison, in the first half of 2022, the market size was only 16,8 Gigawatt. 

With this, in June 2024 the global installed capacity stood at 1’097 Gigawatt, out of which 123 Gigawatt were added in the twelve months from July 2023 to June 2024 – after additional 100 Gigawatt in the period 2022-2023. The sector shows a similar growth in the first half of 2024, with a 4,3% semiannual growth, compared to 4,4% in the first half of 2023. 

Additional momentum is expected in the second half of 2024. Accordingly, and based on our members' estimates, WWEA expects total new capacity additions of around 150 Gigawatt for the whole of 2024, which would be a new all-time high, after 119 Gigawatt in 2023 and only 88 Gigawatt in 2022. 

This will bring the global installed wind capacity to more than 1200 Gigawatts by the end of 2024. This will be enough to meet around 11% of the world's electricity needs.

WWEA President Dr. Irfan Mirza: 

The first half of 2024 has showcased remarkable progress in the global wind energy sector. With 123 Gigawatt of new capacity added over the twelve months, we now stand at the threshold of a groundbreaking milestone – 1,2 Terawatt of installed wind power capacity by year-end. These achievements highlight not only the resilience of our industry but also its indispensable role in driving the global energy transition.

Wind energy stands as a powerful independent source of clean energy while also complementing other renewable solutions, to build a versatile and sustainable energy future. Its flexibility makes it a cornerstone in addressing global energy and climate challenges.

At WWEA, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting our members and fostering collaboration to accelerate renewable energy deployment worldwide. This report is a testament to the collective efforts of communities, governments, and businesses that continue to invest in a sustainable future.

Let us build on this momentum and work together to ensure wind energy’s growth benefits all humanity. 

WWEA Secretary General Stefan Gsänger: 

Wind has gained additional momentum in 2024, mainly thanks to China, which continues to lead the world. Some markets in the southern hemisphere, such as Brazil and Australia, are also showing encouraging growth. These countries are showing that accelerated change is possible – others should follow. 

After the disappointing outcome of the UN Climate Change Conference COP29, people, communities and businesses around the world should take action themselves and begin the transformation to a renewable energy economy that will benefit the vast majority of humanity. 

The necessary wind technology is available and can be easily deployed around the world – in combination with all other renewable energies.

The report is also available for download https://wwindea.org/ss-uploads/media/2024/12/1733138465-eddec6e3-1aec-41d4-922f-d651ade895b6.pdf