Global wind energy investments 2011-2023

Global investments in wind energy technologies reached roughly 217 billion U.S. dollars in 2023. Investment has increased considerably over the past decade. In 2011, wind energy investments amounted to 75.4 billion U.S. dollars. 

Which countries are investing?

Overall, China, the United States, and Europe have made the largest new investments in renewable energy, including but not limited to wind. China currently leads with the highest capacity additions of wind power worldwide. In Europe, onshore wind power has been an important industry in many countries and has also become a leader in the development of offshore wind technologies. For example, Germany has long been one of the forerunners in new wind installations in Europe.

Wind power in China

With a vast territory and extensive coastline, China is particularly well-suited to expand wind power, and production has increased drastically over the last decade. However, it has been difficult for the country to make full use of the power it is already generating. As the location of many Chinese wind farms are far from urban centers, this has posed a challenge in efficiently utilizing wind power to produce electricity for the country’s needs.