Global wind installations to hit 160 GW in 2026

A decline is expected in China following its Five-Year Plan.

Global wind power developers are expected to connect 160 gigawatts of projects globally this year, according to Wood Mackenzie’s new study.

In its “Wind power: What to look for in 2026” report, Wood Mackenzie noted that this corresponds to a 6% fall compared to preliminary numbers for 2025, which will be a record for connected capacity.

Whilst the rest of the world will see strong year-on-year growth, China is expected to see a decline largely due to the end of its 14th Five-Year Plan.

“Pipeline growth will likely remain dampened through 2026 and beyond due to timing challenges in the new route-to-market,” the report read.

At present, offshore wind cannot operate on a fully merchant basis and requires support. However, developers must participate in auctions held in the second half of each year for projects that will connect to the grid the following year, whilst guaranteeing their grid connection schedule.

This narrow delivery window makes it difficult to complete permitting, design and supply chain commitments, given long lead times and sea use permitting issues. The compressed timeframe and high capital intensity raise delivery risk and uncertainty, likely limiting developer appetite for new projects, Wood Mackenzie said.

“In 2026, it will be interesting to see whether new policy support is introduced for offshore wind, particularly for deep-sea project development over the next decade. Failing to do so could begin to impact supply chain strategies around technology, capacity buildout and export appetite,” the company said.