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?