Global Wind Capacity Surpasses 1,299 Gigawatts in 2025
The world installed 165 gigawatts of new wind energy capacity in 2025, driven by significant growth in African markets.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Energy
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In 2025, the global wind energy sector reached a new milestone by installing 165 gigawatts of new capacity, bringing the total worldwide cumulative capacity to more than 1,299 gigawatts. Egypt significantly contributed to this expansion by commissioning 1.15 gigawatts of onshore wind capacity during the second half of the year.
Why it matters
The rapid expansion of wind energy infrastructure marks a critical shift toward sustainable power generation, as nations work to modernize their electrical grids. These capacity gains provide the necessary groundwork for countries to meet ambitious long-term renewable energy targets.
Global wind energy sector growth in 2025 saw 165 gigawatts of new capacity installed, contributing to a total cumulative capacity of over 1,299 gigawatts. Egypt concluded the year with 3.1 gigawatts of total wind capacity.
The players
Egypt
This nation is a primary market for wind energy development in North Africa with specific renewable energy integration targets for 2030 and 2040.
South Africa
This country acts as a key regional leader in the African wind energy market with more than 4 gigawatts of current operational capacity.
Kenya
This East African nation contributes to the regional energy landscape with 436 megawatts of operational wind capacity.
The details
Egypt expanded its footprint by commissioning 1.15 gigawatts of onshore wind, highlighted by the 650-megawatt Ras Shukeir wind project. Other regional leaders in the sector include South Africa, which holds over 4 gigawatts of operational capacity, and Kenya, which maintains 436 megawatts.
Timeline
The global sector installed 165 gigawatts of new capacity in 2025.
Egypt commissioned 1.15 gigawatts of onshore wind capacity in the second half of 2025.
Egypt plans for renewable electricity to reach 42% of its mix by 2030.
Egypt plans for renewable electricity to reach 60% of its mix by 2040.
The Big Picture
The recent expansion of wind infrastructure follows Egypt's national renewable electricity mix targets, which mandate a transition to cleaner energy sources. This growth trajectory demonstrates how targeted development helps bridge the gap between current output and future sustainability goals.
The commissioning of large-scale wind projects like Ras Shukeir impacts future electricity costs and grid stability for regional consumers. As renewable capacity grows, these nations move closer to achieving more predictable and sustainable energy pricing for households and industries.
The takeaway
The sustained growth in global wind capacity underscores a shift toward renewable dominance in national power grids. Investing in large-scale projects remains the most effective path for countries to reach long-term energy independence.
Further reading
For more on the current transition to sustainable power sources, visit the Energy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ESI-Africa.
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