Global wind power capacity is expected to increase by more than 180 gigawatts (GW) this year following a record 165 GW was added in 2025, Ben Backwell, CEO of the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), said Tuesday.
Speaking at the opening session of the Global Wind Market Theatre during WindEnergy Hamburg, Backwell said the rapid growth of the wind industry was still below the level of capacity additions needed for the global energy transition.
Geopolitical tensions and conflicts have put energy security back at the center of the global energy agenda, while volatility in fossil fuel prices and concerns over supply security are accelerating the transition of energy systems, he said.
The energy transition cannot be achieved simply by installing more wind turbines, Backwell said, stressing the need to integrate wind power with solar energy, energy storage and electricity grids.
Some markets that have experienced rapid wind power deployment are facing challenges including renewable power curtailment and negative intraday electricity prices, he said, adding that these issues can be addressed through technical solutions and a more integrated approach to energy systems.
Backwell also called on the wind industry to better communicate its economic and social benefits.
"The wind sector has significant potential to create jobs and investment, contribute to the development of energy systems and support the energy transition," he said.
The industry will also highlight these messages at the COP31 climate summit in Antalya in November, Backwell said, adding that the role of wind power at the center of electrification and the energy transition will be emphasized.
- Türkiye targets 40 GW of wind capacity
Türkiye's Deputy Energy and Natural Resources Minister Zafer Demircan said energy demand has grown by more than 5% annually on average over the past decade.
Annual growth of around 4%-5% is expected in the coming period, he stated.
To meet demand, the country aims to increase its wind power capacity from 15 GW to around 40 GW over the next decade, he added.
Türkiye's energy policy is focused on increasing the use of domestic and renewable energy resources, ensuring security of supply and meeting rising energy demand, he said.
- First offshore wind tender planned for 2027
Türkiye is preparing to launch its first offshore wind tender in the first quarter of 2027, with technical specifications nearing completion, Demircan said.
"We plan to develop around 1 GW of additional offshore wind projects each year until 2035. We aim to reach 5 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2035," Demircan said.
Demircan also identified access to finance as one of the main constraints on renewable energy investment.
Türkiye has developed strong industrial and human-resource capacity in renewable energy, but new financing instruments are needed to support further investment, he said.
"Financial institutions need to better understand the dynamics of the energy sector. Developing new financing models for renewable energy investments is important," Demircan said.
Demircan said COP31 will provide an opportunity to advance ambitious targets on renewable energy and carbon neutrality as well as strengthen energy cooperation and electricity interconnections between countries.
By Gulsen Cagatay
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr
