-- US wind installations are set to surge in 2026, with 15.4 gigawatts of projects in the pipeline, and 11 GW in forecast installations, compared to 8.2 GW in 2025, according to a report by Wood Mackenzie.
The report expects 48 GW in new wind capacity to come online through 2030, with 2026 set to be the strongest year for installations over the five years.
According to Diego Espinosa, senior research analyst at Wood Mackenzie, "the US wind market has proven remarkably resilient through 2025 despite significant policy uncertainty."
He attributed this to developers being able to continue securing tax credits under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act framework.
Land-based wind is expected to drive most of the near-term additions, with about 24 GW being forecasted between 2026 and 2028, with most of this capacity, at about 84%, already in advanced stages, and including projects under construction.
The report noted that regionally, growth is becoming more diversified, with the West expected to lead the way with 64% of new connections, while Texas is expected to regain the top spot in 2028.
Offshore wind, too, is gaining traction, with faster-than-expected project execution, resulting in 6 GW in capacity coming online by 2027.
Wood Mackenzie listed federal policy volatility and permitting delays as key risks for the industry, which continues to weigh on investor confidence.
The report highlighted reviews by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Defense as the biggest constraints, with backlogs rising from the five-fold in 2025, to 5,000 units.
Besides this, elevated cost pressures have emerged as a key constraint for the industry, with turbine prices now 22% higher compared to 2022, and another 5% increase expected through 2029, owing to the tariffs.
However, strong fundamentals continue to support the long-term outlook, with 183 GW of large-load capacity tied to construction or long-term supply agreements, according to Wood Mackenzie estimates.
"Despite current headwinds, the fundamentals supporting US wind growth remain compelling," Espinosa said, citing rising electricity demand, competitive economics and federal tax credit support.