Allein im Jahr 2023 wurden 121 GW Windkraft installiert, was fünfzig 1-GW-Kernreaktoren entspricht

In an impressive display of renewable energy growth, wind turbine manufacturers around the world installed a record-breaking 121 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity in 2023, according to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC). This massive increase in wind power is roughly equivalent to the output of 50 nuclear reactors, an impressive number given that there are only around 450 nuclear reactors in the world.

This calculation takes into account the variable nature of wind power. The latest figures however reveal that [onshore wind farms now operate with a capacity factor between 30-48%](https://windeurope.org/newsroom/press-releases/the-eu-built-a-record-17-gw-of-new-wind-energy-in-2023-wind-now-19-percent-of-electricity-production/#:~:text=The%20amount%20of%20electricity%20produced,offshore%20wind%20is%20consistently%2050%25.), while offshore wind consistently achieves around 50%. This improved efficiency marks a significant step forward in the renewable sector’s ability to provide sustainable energy.

Chinese turbine suppliers led the charge, installing 81.6GW of the total capacity, and dominating four of the top five positions in the global supplier rankings. Despite the competitive market dynamics, which have pushed Chinese manufacturers to seek opportunities abroad, 97% of their installations remained within China. Goldwind topped the supplier list, followed by Envision and Denmark’s Vestas, which was noted for its geographical diversity with installations across 36 countries.

Ben Backwell, CEO of GWEC, highlighted the industry’s rapid expansion but stressed the need for accelerated growth in emerging markets to meet global Net Zero ambitions. He called for enhanced government collaboration and supportive policymaking to maintain the momentum and address the climate crisis effectively.

This record-setting year underscores the vital role of wind energy in the global transition to renewable resources, even as it faces challenges such as supply chain constraints and the need for greater market support in various regions.