The sector of wind power The United States is experiencing a period of unprecedented transformation, both globally and locally. Despite the numerous economic and logistical challenges experienced in recent years, 2024 has seen record highs in the installation of new wind power, consolidating China's position as the main player in the market and accelerating the transition toward more sustainable models in Europe and Spain. New international reports and national initiatives show how wind power continues to break records, but also highlight the need for Resolving regulatory, social, and technical bottlenecks that affect the full development of the sector.
In this context of sustained growth, Spain and its regions are accelerating the implementation of innovative parks, the technological upgrade of established facilities, and projects based on public-private partnerships and environmental integration. All this with an eye toward a future where the wind is key to decarbonization, rural development and the creation of new jobs.
International balance: China, Europe and the unstoppable advance of wind power
The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) has registered the installation of some 127.000 megawatts of new wind power capacity in 2024 worldwide, the largest annual increase known. In the ranking of wind turbine manufacturers, Asian dominance is overwhelming, with four Chinese companies occupying the top positions: Goldwind, Envision, Mingyang and Windey. Behind them are European classics such as Vestas, Nordex and Siemens Gamesa, which maintain their influence in continental markets, where the local supplier quota exceeds 90%.
China not only leads manufacturing, but also consumption, with nearly 80 GW wind farms connected by 2024, placing it well ahead of the United States or Germany. This leadership is due to a robust domestic market and the progressive internationalization of Chinese companies, although Europe remains a protected bastion for Western manufacturers. The global trend indicates that the wind Not only does it continue to break its own records, but it also faces significant challenges: preserving profit margins, regulatory barriers, and the urgent need for better cooperation between industry and governments.
New wind farms and repowering in Spain: technological innovation and regional development
Spain consolidates its position on the European map wind flagship new construction and modernization projectsThe Labraza wind farm in the Basque Country will be the first to come online in the region since 2006, combining public-private investment and advanced technology from Siemens Gamesa. Equipped with 40 MW and eight state-of-the-art wind turbines, will increase installed wind power by 26% in the community and will produce renewable electricity for 30.000 homes, avoiding 16.300 tons of CO2 annually.
This project, promoted by the company Aixeindar (owned by Iberdrola and the Basque Energy Agency), stands out for its tractor effect on local industry, direct job creation, and social proposals aimed at benefiting the citizens of the affected municipalities. It also incorporates innovative environmental measures as devices for bird protection and environmental restoration, with the aim of making renewable generation compatible with natural conservation.
In Galicia, the repowering The replacement of older wind turbines with modern, powerful units, such as Malpica or Naturgy's wind farms in Monte Redondo, Novo, and Somozas, will result in the replacement of hundreds of old wind turbines. This will allow for the increase production, reduce the visual and environmental impact, and maintain coexistence with rural communities. Naturgy and Statkraft are leading these efforts, benefiting from European funds and collaborating with regional governments to promote sustainability and local development.
Immediate challenges and tenders: the German case and the Spanish adaptation
The European context shows a growing dynamism in the awarding of new wind powerIn Germany, the second onshore tender of 2025 has again exceeded demand, with 3.447 MW awarded and applications exceeding the available supply by more than 44%. This upward trend is explained by the regulatory easing and clear objectives to expand the area dedicated to renewables, although the need to prepare the electricity grids to absorb the expected jump in production starting in 2026 is emphasized.
In Spain, the expansion and modernization Wind power faces regulatory challenges and the need to ensure legal certainty to attract investors and achieve the climate objectives set by the EU. The Xunta de Galicia and the Galician Government have criticized the lack of regulatory foresight by the central government and are calling for measures to simplify the procedures, guarantee the public interest of renewables and consolidate a stable framework that favors the balanced development of the sector.
Offshore wind energy and international cooperation: opportunities for the Iberian Peninsula
The progress of the floating offshore wind opens up new industrial opportunities for Spain and Portugal, although uncertainties persist in the bidding frameworks and a lack of specialized contractors and vessels. A recent study by the consulting firm AFRY underscores the importance of clarifying the rules of the game and transforming ports into hubs for the manufacturing and export of offshore components. Business leaders and institutions agree that a transparent strategy or with a collaboration model like the one in the Netherlands could make the difference for the peninsula to become a European benchmark for this technology.
In Spain, more than 30 GW Offshore projects are planned, while Portugal prepares for its first major auction. The integration of international services and public-private collaboration are emerging as key factors for the region to take advantage of the global boom in offshore wind energy.
Social innovation, environmental integration and new agricultural uses
La social acceptance and integration of wind power with the environment are central to the success of new projects. Initiatives such as the European Biowind program, with the participation of the Region of Murcia, promote participatory planning and adaptation to biodiversity, fostering sustainable and consensual renewable policies. Collaboration between regional governments and scientific entities contributes to a more fair and efficient, where natural conservation and technological progress go hand in hand.
Special mention should be made of Lanzarote, where wind energy is used to power agricultural irrigation systems based on desalination and automation. These solutions, also widespread in other Canary Islands, are living examples of how the innovation in renewables It can transform traditional sectors and serve as a laboratory for the future of agriculture and water management in vulnerable environments.
La wind energy in Spain and Europe The country is facing 2025 with a mix of technological advances, regulatory challenges, and a growing commitment to social and environmental integration. From new wind farms and repowering to offshore wind and agricultural use, the sector is positioning itself as one of the key drivers for a true ecological transition, capable of generating employment, protecting the environment, and ensuring the electricity supply in a context of accelerated global change.
