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GWEC Calls for Faster Development of Offshore Wind Farms

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The Global Wind Energy Council on Tuesday urged governments to expedite the development of offshore wind farms to enhance energy security, after its analysis showed a lag in deployment despite some progress.

Over the past decade, the global offshore market grew by 10% each year, with total installed capacity reaching 92.5 gigawatts in 2025, contributing 7.1% of total wind capacity, according to the report.

Last year, over 9 GW of new capacity was connected to the grid, the organization said, making 2025 the third-highest year for new installations.

China, having commissioned 6.6 GW in 2025, continued to lead annual installations. Europe, meanwhile, commissioned nearly 2 GW.

"Despite this progress, offshore wind deployment is not proceeding as fast as it should," GWEC said, highlighting that the 11.4 GW of capacity procured in auctions last year was only one-fifth of the 2024 record.

Outside China, around 25 GW of projects are still awaiting financial investment decisions, which the council classified as "ready to build," after receiving consent and planning permission.

"These projects may be waiting for grid connections, auction outcomes or subsidy arrangements before they are green-lit," according to GWEC.

The organization's current market outlook shows an upward trend, with annual installations likely to double this year, triple by 2031, and exceed 50 GW per year by 2035. Currently, more than 50 GW of offshore wind projects worldwide are under construction, the report said.

The offshore wind market is forecast to log a compound average annual growth rate of 24% between 2026 and 2030. With this, the council noted that the industry is "set to become one of the world's fastest-growing mainstream energy technologies."

GWEC's latest outlook also shows that more than 327 GW of new capacity will be added over the next decade, bringing global capacity to 420 GW by the end of 2035.

"Offshore wind is a natural fit for many countries but there are still too many solvable challenges that are delaying more projects being built," said Rebecca Williams, GWEC deputy chief executive.

"Prioritizing and fast-tracking offshore wind as nationally significant energy security infrastructure would be a key step to provide protection from regulatory delays and reduce financing costs, ultimately helping to lower bills for consumers," according to Williams.

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