The World of Wind Power – The WWEApodcast

Africa is the fastest-growing world region in both population and economic output. Yet despite an abundance of renewable energy resources, hundreds of millions of people on the continent still lack access to modern energy services, especially electricity. This gap represents a huge economic, social and ecological opportunity: developing the continent's vast energy resources will unlock its overall economic potential. Our guest in this episode is Dr. Karunamoorthy Neethimani, Director at India's KP Group – one of the country's leading wind power investors – and, in his capacity as Vice President of WWEA, a strong advocate for the global deployment of wind power. KP Group has begun exploring market opportunities in several African countries. Together, we discuss the specific opportunities and challenges in the Southern African markets – Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe – as well as in Kenya.

The countries of Southeast Europe are blessed with abundant renewable resources, but deployment has so far lagged behind other parts of Europe. Romania leads the region with around 3 GW of installed wind capacity, and while huge untapped potential remains across all countries, there has recently been encouraging growth – notably in Serbia. At the same time, battery storage systems are booming, laying the foundation for a fully renewable energy supply. Our guest, Julian Popov, former environment minister of Bulgaria and today, amongst others, senior fellow at a European think tank, has closely observed the region's energy transformation. He explains the market potential, why the region needs to move faster — for both economic and political reasons — and identifies the key barriers and opportunities.

Wind power has set new records every year, and global installed capacity is about to exceed 1,5 million megawatts. While the initial momentum came mainly from Europe, China, India and Brazil have more recently become driving forces. The global wind industry has grown into a pillar of the global economy, with excellent prospects ahead. Policy remains a determining factor in the success or failure of wind power. This September, the industry will gather at WindEnergy Hamburg to showcase its latest achievements and technological advancements, and to discuss how to advance wind power through international collaboration. Hamburg has become the global hub for the industry. Claus-Ulrich Selbach, Vice President of Hamburg Messe, will explain the role of the fair, the expected participants, and the targeted outcomes.

Greece is a nation defined by its 6000 islands – 124 of them inhabited. Its unique geography pairs naturally with an abundance of renewable energy, which already supplies nearly half of the country’s electricity. My guest is Victoria Kerner, CEO of WRE, a leading renewable energy developer. We discuss Greece’s long history with wind power, its potential to become a 100 % renewable energy nation, the special opportunities this transition offers, and the challenges still to overcome on the way.

Shipping is the backbone of global trade – yet the industry remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels, making it a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. While the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has acknowledged the urgency, the transformation to renewable energy based transportation is still in its early stages. In this episode, we talk to Gavin Allwright, Secretary General of the International Windship Association (IWSA). Together, we explore: * The current state of global shipping and its environmental impact * The historic and modern role of wind-powered vessels * Innovative concepts for the industry – from renewable fuels to wind-assisted propulsion * Key barriers, economic opportunities, and the global policy landscape

Just a few years ago, the Chinese government broke ground on Xiongan, a brand-new metropolis near Beijing designed to become a global benchmark for sustainable urban development. This year, the city hosted its third annual international competition dedicated to innovative energy technologies – cementing its role as a living laboratory for the future. In this episode, we talk with Yunhan Liu, Technical Director at the Global Service Center of Collection of Future City in Xiongan, to explore the vision driving this ambitious project. We discuss the core strategies behind Xiongan’s sustainability goals, the pivotal role of renewable energy, why the city actively seeks global input through these competitions – and what the latest results reveal about the future of innovation.

Italy, a leading industrial nation with limited fossil fuel reserves, is accelerating its transition to renewable energy – especially wind and solar. The country aims to more than double its wind capacity from 13 GW to almost 30 GW within the next four years, a critical step toward energy independence and climate goals. In this episode, we’re joined by Davide Astiaso Garcia, Secretary General of the Italian Wind Energy Association (ANEV) and Professor at Sapienza University in Rome. Together, we explore: – The current state of Italy’s wind power market and its key players (investors, equipment suppliers). – The biggest challenges facing the sector – from regulatory hurdles and permitting to grid integration. – The opportunities in onshore and offshore wind to secure Italy’s long-term energy supply.

The world faces another fossil fuel crisis, an escalating climate emergency, and slow progress in international climate negotiations. In response, the governments of Colombia and the Netherlands made history by co-hosting the First International Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels. Held in Santa Marta, Colombia, from 24-29 April 2026, the event brought together 57 fossil fuel-producing and consuming countries, alongside civil society, and energy experts, to develop a global roadmap for a just and equitable phase-out of oil, gas, and coal. Stephan Singer, a senior climate advocate with CAN International (Climate Action Network), has been at the forefront of international climate and energy transformation for over three decades. In this episode, we explore: – The significance of the Santa Marta Conference and its historic outcomes, – The agenda, participating countries, and the "coalition of the willing" approach, – The follow-up process, including plans for a second summit in Tuvalu and…

The United States pioneered modern wind power in the 1980s, briefly leading global installations in 2008–2009 before being overtaken by China. While the Inflation Reduction Act created new incentives for growth, the Trump administration has actively sabotaged progress – attempting to ban new wind farms and even paying companies not to build them. Energy analyst Michael Barnard joins us to dissect the current U.S. wind market: How critical is wind energy today in the US? Who are the key players by region and company, what role do the states and local players have? And can states, municipalities, and businesses resist these political attacks to keep the wind power momentum alive?

2025 marked a historic milestone: For the first time, the world added 169 GW of new wind capacity in a single year – bringing wind power’s share of global electricity generation to over 11%. While China leads this expansion, dynamic growth is visible worldwide, with countries like Vietnam, Chile, and Turkey emerging as front-runners in wind energy adoption. In this episode, WWEA President Dr. Irfan Mirza and Secretary General Stefan Gsänger discuss: * The current global status of wind power and its market momentum. * Key challenges – from policy frameworks to grid integration – and how to overcome them. * The critical role of community engagement and strong political support in accelerating deployment. With the right conditions, wind power – alongside other renewables – can dominate global energy supply, paving the way for a climate-friendly, peaceful, and prosperous future. To achieve this, the world must and can reach 10 million MW of installed wind capacity by 2050, enabling wind to supply up to 40% of…

Chile’s energy landscape is experiencing a profound transformation. Historically dependent on hydropower and imported fossil fuels, the country is now rapidly embracing renewable energy—particularly solar, wind, and storage technologies. This shift is unfolding within a highly liberalized market, where public regulations focus primarily on setting standards. As a result, Chile has emerged as one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-growing wind power markets. In this episode, Felipe Gallardo, Research Director at the Chilean Renewable Energy Association (ACERA), dives into the dynamics of Chile’s wind power sector. He discusses the key players, opportunities, and challenges shaping the market, and explains why meaningful engagement with Indigenous and local communities is critical for the sector’s success. Expanding the power grid and updating relevant legislation are also urgent priorities for the near future. With a free and competitive wind power market, Chile is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious…

Strategically positioned between Europe and Asia, Turkey has emerged as one of the Mediterranean region’s leading wind power markets. Driven by a growing population and a rapidly expanding economy, the country is accelerating domestic energy production – with wind power playing a central role in this transformation. Today, Turkey stands out as one of Europe’s most dynamic wind energy markets. In this episode, Ibrahim Erden, Chairman of the Turkish Wind Energy Association (TÜREB), shares insights into the evolution of Turkey’s wind industry – from its early development to its current achievements and future ambitions. He discusses Turkey’s growing importance as both an attractive destination for wind farm investment and a manufacturing hub across the wind energy supply chain. Where do the greatest opportunities lie? And what challenges must still be addressed to unlock the country’s full wind power potential?

Kazakhstan is widely known for its vast fossil and mineral resources, but the country is increasingly turning toward renewable energy – especially wind power. In this episode of the WWEApodcast, we explore the current state and future prospects of wind energy in Kazakhstan. Our guest Arman Kashinbekov is CEO of the Association of Renewable Energy of Kazakhstan, shares insights into Kazakhstan’s energy transformation, the role of AREK, and the development of wind power from early beginnings to today’s rapidly evolving market. We discuss key market players, investment opportunities, remaining challenges, and the country’s long-term renewable energy ambitions. This episode offers valuable perspectives for anyone interested in emerging wind energy markets in Central Asia.

China has become the global leader in wind power, developing the world’s largest wind energy fleet within just two decades. At the 22nd World Wind Energy Conference (WWEC), delegates from 26 countries reviewed these achievements and discussed current challenges, with a strong focus on strengthening international collaboration to accelerate global wind power deployment. In this episode, Qin Haiyan, Secretary General of the Chinese Wind Energy Association and Vice President of the WWEA, outlines key milestones of China’s wind industry and highlights major outcomes of WWEC2025, including the Global Wind Power Development Dialogue, the World Wind Energy Academy, the importance of good community engagement and China’s role in global wind power supply chains.

Argentina has some of the largest wind resources in the world, but only a small proportion of these are currently being used to generate electricity. Alongside other resources, the country has an abundance of renewable energy. Despite going through difficult economic times, Argentina has the potential not only to cover its own energy needs with domestic renewable energy, but also to start exporting hydrogen-based commodities and other energy intensive products. Alejandro Gesino, the recently elected President of ALTEA (the Argentine Alliance for the Energy Transition), formerly the Argentine Wind Energy Association, explains the current status of the Argentinian wind power market, the barriers, and how demand for cheap electricity is driving new investment.

Small wind turbines could play an important role by reducing electricity prices for consumers and strengthening the security of the power supply. While many governments have not fully grasped the benefits of small-scale wind power, smaller businesses have emerged as a significant market segment for small wind turbines. The Indian company Balaji Systems offers small wind turbines ranging from 100 Watts to 20 Kilowatts. In this talk, the company's founder, D. Kanagaraj, explains the market situation, as well as the main drivers and barriers for small wind. The company's main clients are small businesses in India, but there is also increasing interest in its products from outside the country.

As a country without fossil fuel resources, Uruguay has undergone a fundamental change, transforming itself from a fossil fuel importer into a renewable energy exporter. The country already generates almost all of its power from renewable energy sources, with wind turbines contributing almost a third. Other relevant renewable power sources include hydro, bioenergy and solar. José Cataldo, a professor with focus on wind power at the Universidad de la República de Uruguay, played an instrumental role in developing the country's wind power programme. In this episode, he describes how the country has reached important milestones, the main drivers and the barriers that have had to be overcome. The main lesson is that it is important to make use of one's own resources, which offer room for future growth.

Almost a century ago, pioneers in Ukraine laid the foundations for modern wind power technology. Following independence, investment in larger wind farms began, establishing Ukraine as a significant market for wind turbines. As one of the largest countries in Europe in terms of land mass, Ukraine is blessed with all types of renewable energy resources. Yevhenii Kontorshchykov, an analyst at the Ukrainian Wind Energy Association, explains the current situation regarding the country's energy supply and wind power. Despite the ongoing war, investment in the wind sector is growing, with many communities and enterprises starting to invest directly to secure their electricity supply. This is leading to a more decentralised power supply structure and new business opportunities.

Japan was one of the first countries to develop a highly advanced wind industry, largely for export. Today, it is one of the medium-sized markets for wind power. Although the country lost some momentum domestically after being one of the pioneers, it now has ambitious plans, particularly with regard to developing its offshore wind resources. Professor Chuichi Arakawa, Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Tokyo, has contributed to wind power development in Japan and internationally for decades. In this episode, he discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the Japanese wind power sector and emphasises the importance of ensuring that local communities benefit directly from wind farms in their vicinity.

Despite more optimistic expectations, the global wind power market stagnated in 2024. The world added 121 Gigawatt, slightly less than in the previous year, bringing the world’s wind power capacity to 1'174 Gigawatt and contributing more than 10% to global electricity demand. In this talk, WWEA President Dr. Irfan Mirza and Secretary General Stefan Gsänger discuss global market dynamics, the important role of China and the many emerging markets, and how wind power can gain further momentum. While there is a global appetite for clean, affordable wind power alongside solar energy and other renewables, lengthy bureaucratic processes, grid constraints and, in some countries, a lack of financing are major barriers. Better engagement with local communities could simultaneously accelerate global wind power deployment.

Australia is blessed with natural resources and has made significant progress in the use of renewable energy, particularly wind power. Some states have already achieved, or are on track to achieve, 100% renewable power, with wind a major contributor. Jarra Hicks is Director of the Community Power Agency and has been involved in the development of wind projects. She explains the opportunities and challenges of the Australian wind energy market and how greater community engagement could help accelerate the development of Australia's wind and renewable energy market.

Sweden was one of the first countries to embrace modern wind technology and is now one of Europe's most dynamic wind power markets, with one of the highest installed capacities per capita. Blessed with an abundance of wind resources, the country is rapidly increasing its share of wind power and citizens and businesses are benefiting from lower electricity prices. Per Olofsson is chairman of the Swedish Wind Power Association and explains the prospects and challenges for wind power in Sweden. He also explains how Sweden can quickly achieve 100% renewable energy, how the country would benefit from this, and why the theoretical discussion about nuclear energy risks delaying the development path.

Pakistan has become an important market for wind energy. In recent decades, the country has experienced major challenges with its electricity supply and wind power appears to be a perfect solution to meet the country's energy needs. Pakistan is also dependent on imported and expensive fossil fuels, which pose a problem for its economic development. Mirza Muhammad Umer is Senior Business Development Manager at Chinese wind turbine manufacturer Goldwind and has been involved in the development of Pakistan's wind power sector for almost a decade. He explains why, more recently, both residential and industrial consumers are playing a driving role in the development of renewable energy in Pakistan. Several wind farms are now supplying power directly to businesses, providing them with a stable and affordable supply of electricity.

Spain has played a key role in the development of modern wind power, as one of the world's largest wind power markets and by contributing to the development of modern wind technology. The country has an abundance of wind resources which, together with solar and other renewables, can provide more energy than Spain needs to meet its domestic demand. Today, with 31 Gigawatt of installed wind capacity, the country ranks fifth in terms of total installations. With a target of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 at the latest, Spain offers a bright future for wind energy investment. Mercedes Casado is Head of Onshore Wind and PV Development at RWE Spain and works with the Spanish Renewable Energy Association APPA to improve the regulatory environment in Spain. She explains the current opportunities and challenges: In particular, smart integration of wind power, smooth permitting processes and good community engagement can pave the way for future growth.

Blessed with natural resources, especially wind and sun, the Republic of Korea is one of the most technologically innovative countries. Modern wind power started more than 25 years ago and several of the country’s major companies have invested in developing wind technology. The country has big ambitions, particularly in the offshore sector, but currently has a modest installed capacity of 2 Gigawatt. A lack of comprehensive policy and social integration are major barriers to wind power investment, while the country's industry has a huge demand for climate-friendly energy. Choong-Yul Son, a retired professor, is one of the early pioneers of wind power in Korea and has been instrumental in establishing some of the key organisations promoting wind power in Korea and beyond. He explains the current challenges and prospects of the Korean wind energy market.

The world's first documented wind generator was installed in Austria in 1883, and now, more than 140 years later, wind power plays a crucial role in the country's electricity supply, providing 12% of the country's electricity. The country has excellent wind resources in both the mountainous and eastern parts of the country and is aiming for 100% renewable energy by 2030. Martin Jaksch-Fliegenschnee, spokesman for the Austrian Wind Energy Association (IG Windkraft), and Stefan Gsänger talk about the current challenges facing wind energy in Austria, as well as the opportunities and prospects. What is the role of the Austrian manufacturing industry and how important are community-based wind developments?

In 20 years, China has become the world's largest wind power market, adding nearly 80 gigawatts of new wind capacity last year - two-thirds of the global market. The country has managed to build a strong domestic supply chain that is also internationally connected. Wind power now accounts for around 10% of China's electricity generation and will play an even more important role in the future. Yu Guiyong heads the international department of the Chinese Wind Energy Association and talks to Stefan Gsänger about the history, achievements, current challenges and future prospects of the Chinese wind sector. What needs to be done for China to reach the 3000 gigawatt target and what role can Chinese companies play in the global development of wind power?

With the growth of wind turbines, small wind – wind turbines with a capacity of below 100 kW – has become its own market segment. After some challenging years, small wind turbine have now established themselves as an important element of the future renewable energy power supply system. Ulrich Høgenhaven, managing director of the small wind manufacturer Viking Wind, talks to Stefan Gsänger about the business opportunities for small wind turbines. Where does small wind stand today, what are the challenges that the industry is still facing and how does Viking Wind address the requirement of its clients?

India is now the largest country on the planet, and it is blessed with natural resources. The South Asian country was one of the first to embrace modern wind power, building a domestic wind industry driven by many small and medium-sized enterprises, some of which have become global players. As an entrepreneur and treasurer of the Indian Wind Power Association, Dr N. Karunamoorthy talks to Stefan Gsänger about the historical development of wind energy utilisation, the main drivers, key players, economic opportunities and regulatory barriers. How is wind power helping India to become an economic superpower?

Canada is one of the largest countries on the planet, and as such is blessed with natural resources. During the 20th century, however, the country began to exploit its fossil energy resources and has become one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases per capita. However, the country has already made good progress in harnessing its vast renewable energy resources, notably wind power. What is the status of wind power in the Canadian provinces, what are the main barriers and opportunities? What role can remote communities and urban centres play in a renewable energy powerhouse?

The International Renewable Energy Agency IRENA has become a key player on the international level, 15 years after its foundation in Bonn. WWEA was one of the first proponents and active supporters of the initiative to create IRENA and has been working closely with the agency since then. The 14th IRENA Assembly has just been concluded in Abu Dhabi, and Monica Oliphant as well as Stefan Gsänger attended the event in person. They talk about the current work of IRENA, about how WWEA has been able to intensify its ties with IRENA and especially how the Coalition for Action works – IRENA’s branch to work with non-governmental stakeholders.

With around 4 gigawatts of installed capacity, North Africa has become an attractive destination for wind power investment. Morocco and Egypt in particular dominate wind power in the region, which also includes major oil and gas exporting countries. Khalid Benhamou, managing director of Sahara Wind and board member of the World Wind Energy Association, describes the current situation in his home country of Morocco and in North Africa. Blessed with excellent wind resources and dynamic population growth, the countries of the region are ready to play their part in the future global supply of renewable energy. Morocco, in particular, has made tremendous progress in electrifying the whole country with renewables and is aiming to become an energy exporter, mainly in the form of green hydrogen.

With 4,9 Gigawatt of capacity added in 2023 alone, Brazil has become one of the most dynamic wind markets and the third largest market for new wind turbine. Dr. Everaldo Feitosa, enterpreneur and co-founder of the Brazilian as well as the World Wind Energy Association, explains the history of wind power in Brazil, the first steps, and how Brazil has become a global wind power leader. As the country is blessed in particular with wind, sun and hydro resources, the main challenge is today the smart integration of those renewable energy sources. Brazil demonstrates that 100% renewable energy is not just a vision but a reality that needs to be managed well.

The year 2023 has brought a new record with more than 117 Gigawatt of new wind power capacity - China alone added 75 Gigawatt. Wind power covers now around 10% of the global power demand, another milestone towards a 100% renewable energy supply. WWEA President Dr. Irfan Mirza and WWEA Secretary General Stefan Gsänger present the global wind power statistics 2023 and talk about the current market situation as well as the longer-term market trends for wind power. What are the market drivers, which countries play important roles and how to mobilise citizens and communities?