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Jun 10, 2025
4
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Wind energy has surged from a niche renewable into a mainstay of power generation across the globe. In an era when clean energy is a top priority, wind power is blowing past milestones and expectations. How far this transformation progressed, and what does it mean for our energy future? Let’s explore the rise of wind energy – with key facts, and a few questions to spark your thinking.
Wind Energy’s Global Surge
Unlike fossil fuels, wind is inexhaustible, clean, and doesn’t require mining, drilling, or burning. Once a wind turbine is up and running, the ongoing costs are minimal (mainly routine maintenance and occasional repairs).
The life-cycle carbon footprint is extremely low; studies estimate about 7–9 grams of CO2 equivalent per kilowatt-hour, compared to hundreds of grams for fossil fuels! This is the environmental footprint is among the lowest of all energy sources.
But is it right for your portfolio or energy strategy? Consider these points:
1. A Meaningful Share of Electricity:
Wind now generates roughly 8% of the world’s electricity (up from almost zero in the 1990s). In some regions , that percentage is even higher – for example, wind provided about 12% of Europe’s electricity in 2023.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects wind will supply over 20% of global electricity by 2030. This means wind isn’t just supplemental; it’s becoming a core part of the energy mix.
Source: IEA (2024), Global electricity generation by renewable energy technology main case, 2023 and 2030, IEA, Paris https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/global-electricity-generation-by-renewable-energy-technology-main-case-2023-and-2030, Licence: CC BY 4.0
2. Rapid Growth and Investment
In 2024, global wind capacity surpassed 1,000 GW, doubling since 2015. To put it simply, that’s more than five times the wind capacity we had just a decade ago – a dramatic growth curve!
Offshore wind, in particular, is set to grow sixfold by 2030, opening new markets and investment opportunities. This rapid growth is driven by stronger ocean winds, falling costs, fewer land-use issues, and the advantage of placing turbines near coastal cities, which improves energy delivery.
3. Cost Competitiveness
The cost of wind power has dropped by over 60% in the past decade, making it one of the most affordable sources of new electricity generation.
In many regions, wind is now cheaper than coal or natural gas.
It’s clear that wind energy has gone mainstream worldwide. What was once considered an experimental or minor power source is now a pillar of energy infrastructure. (If you’re an energy planner or investor reading this, ask yourself: is wind already a pillar in your strategy?)
Where Are We Now?
Despite macroeconomic headwinds, wind power continues to expand:
China, the United States, Germany, India, and Brazil are the top five wind power markets, together accounting for about 73% of all new installations in 2024. (China alone now holds about 40% of the world’s wind capacity!)
Emerging markets in Africa and the Middle East doubled their onshore wind capacity, signaling global diversification.
However, current projections show wind capacity will only meet 77% of 2030 targets, highlighting the urgent need for accelerated deployment.
*Image Source: https://wwindea.org/GlobalStatistics*
Looking Ahead: Opportunity Meets Urgency
According to the International Energy Agency, annual wind installations must triple by 2030 to meet global climate goals. That’s a huge challenge and a huge opportunity.
For energy planners, financiers, and innovators, this raises some interesting questions:
How can digitalization, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics be leveraged to optimize wind farm performance?
As wind energy expands into new geographies, how can digital financing solutions support local economic development, community participation, and equitable benefit-sharing?
What new risks and rewards come with investing in tokenized wind assets?
The answers will shape the future of energy.
Ready to Catch the Wind?
Wind energy isn’t just about reducing emissions. It’s about building lasting infrastructure, creating long-term value, and powering economies with clean, cost-effective electricity.
Penomo is helping make that transition accessible. By connecting vetted wind energy projects with forward-thinking investors, Penomo opens new pathways for capital to flow where it matters most.
About Penomo
Penomo is a digital asset infrastructure platform specializing in tokenized energy and AI infrastructure financing. By transforming physical infrastructure into compliant digital securities, we connect private capital markets with institutional-grade renewable energy and AI investments. Through tokenization, Penomo is streamlining capital access, enhancing liquidity, and enabling efficient financing for the global energy transition and AI expansion.
The time to lead is now! Learn how Penomo can help you.
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Additional Resources:
https://www.inspirecleanenergy.com/blog/sustainable-living/wind-power-renewable-or-nonrenewable